A relatively stable nation in the restive West Africa region, Burkina Faso recently realized the country’s first-ever democratic transition. After 27 years of single-party rule, former president Blaise Compaore’s departure opened the door to a competitive electoral process, and peaceful elections were held November 2015. USAID promotes a civic-minded civil society and effective and credible electoral processes in Burkina Faso. USAID will follow its election support with a program to build a stronger oversight institution in the new national assembly.