Outcry in Burundi over poll kitty 'voluntary' contribution
Saturday January 27 2018
Burundi's main opposition leader Agathon Rwasa looks on during the opening session of the National Assembly in Bujumbura, on July 27, 2015. He says the government-led “voluntary” monetary contribution towards the 2020 General Election kitty as unconstitutional. AFP PHOTO | PHIL MOORE
Opposition leaders in Burundi have dismissed a government-led “voluntary” monetary contribution towards the 2020 General Election kitty as unconstitutional, arguing that citizens are already paying taxes to the treasury.
The 2020 election will be the first one the country fully funds after key donors, the European Union and the United States, suspended direct aid citing human-rights violations since 2015 when protests against President Pierre Nkurunziza erupted.
READ: Burundi orders 'voluntary' tax to fund fresh elections
“We have an idea of how much can be set aside for the elections, so why are we being asked to contribute more from our monthly wages for the polls?” Agathon Rwasa, an opposition leader and deputy speaker of parliament told The EastAfrican.
Mr Rwasa’s comments came after it was announced that part of members of parliament and civil servants’ salary would be used to pay for the general election.
“No one is being forced to contribute,” said assistant Home Affairs Minister Terence Ntahiraja.
Early last year, President Nkurunziza deposited his contribution for the 2020 general elections in the central bank, followed by other government officials, ruling party supporters and citizens.
READ: Nkurunziza focuses on 2020 elections, starts raising funds
The government said those civil servants who are not willing to contribute for the elections should write an official letter to the Home Affairs minister. Every household is expected to pay $1.14 per year.