Burundi government has called on its patriotic citizens to donate money to ensure the successful running of the presidential elections scheduled for June.
The appeal, written on the official presidents Facebook page read: (Translated from French)
“Supported by its partners , the Government of #Burundi has already gathered much of the necessary means for the holding of general elections on # 05June2015 respectively for communal Councillors and Deputies, the #26June2015 for President the Republic and the # 17July2015 for the Senators .
In order to fulfill its commitment to establish a democratic culture based on the universal principle of choice by the people of their basic leadership at the top , the Government invites patriotic citizens convinced of this noble principle , a voluntary contribution to support the efforts already made by the friends of Burundi. To do this, an account has been opened at the Bank of the Republic of Burundi ( BRB # ) under number: 1110/232 title ” ELECTIONS 2015″. ”
There have been weeks of violent protests against President Pierre Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term.
The EU is withholding $2.3m (£1.5m) of funding for the elections unless “conditions for a free, peaceful and credible election are secured”. Former colonial power Belgium has also suspended $2.2m (£1.4m) funding for the elections.
