BUJUMBURA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Citizens' contributions to Burundi's 2020 general elections are estimated at 17.2 billion Burundi francs (9.6 million U.S. dollars) by May 31, out of the needed 70 billion francs (39.2 million dollars), Burundian finance minister said Tuesday.
The contributions came from the salary of civil servants, business people from the diaspora and civil society groups, Burundian finance minister Domitien Ndihokubwayo said at a press conference in Bujumbura, capital city of Burundi.
"When we reach the required amount for the 2020 elections, we will immediately stop requesting contributions. We have also thought of other strategies to reach the needed amount," said the minister.
In December 2017, the Burundian government presented a detailed project on contributions of citizens to the 2020 elections.
The contributors of the elections were grouped into three categories -- farmers, civil servants of public administration, and the private sector and organizations willing to make the contribution.
