The third multiparty general elections since independence held in November represent a further consolidation of a vigorous, open, and democratic system. Constitutional provisions for an independent judiciary are respected by the Government in practice. The police are under the effective civilian control of the Ministry of the Interior. By law, the armed forces do not exercise civil police functions. The country has made steady progress toward developing a market economy.
Privatization continues, and trade has been reoriented to the West.
Unemployment remained a concern. The currency is stable, fully convertible, and backed by substantial reserves. The economy provides citizens with a good standard of living. The Government fully respected the human rights of its citizens, and the law and judiciary provide adequate means of dealing with individual instances of abuse. An Ombudsman deals with human rights problems, including citizenship cases.