RUCCI
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- Oct 6, 2011
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Burundi's government has asked people to donate money to ensure the successful running of controversial elections scheduled for June. There have been weeks of violent protests against President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid for a third term.
In its appeal for donations, the government refers to the importance of reinforcing "a democratic culture based on the universal principle driven by the choice of the people".
The Facebook post continues: "The government invites patriotic citizens convinced by this noble principle to make a voluntary contribution to push forward the efforts already agreed to by other friends of Burundi."
It then points people towards an account set up at the Bank of the Republic of Burundi under the name "ELECTIONS 2015".
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.
Source: BBC