The party that receives the most overall votes fills the presidency, and seats in the Senate and Chamber of Deputies are apportioned according to the percentage of votes that a party receives. Women and blacks face de facto impediments to their participation in politics and their employment in government. Only 1 of the 12 cabinet ministers is a woman. The small black minority is not represented in the Cabinet or legislature. Section 4 Governmental Attitude Regarding International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Violations of Human Rights A number of human rights groups operate without government restriction, investigating and publishing their findings on human rights cases.
Government officials are generally cooperative and responsive to their views.
The Constitution and the law prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, religion, or disability. Despite these provisions, de facto discrimination exists. Women Women enjoy equality under the law but face discrimination stemming from traditional attitudes and practices. Violence against women continues to be a serious problem. In 1995 the number of reported cases of family violence doubled, reflecting increased public awareness resulting from private organizations focusing attention on the problem.