As Burundi’s 2025 electoral season kicks off, OLUCOME— a local anti-corruption watchdog— issued a stern warning to political candidates, urging them to refrain from misusing state resources during the campaign period.
The organization called on all candidates running in the upcoming legislative elections to respect public property and steer clear of using state resources to gain a political edge.
Speaking to Bonesha FM on Thursday, OLUCOME’s Secretary General Arthemon Muntunutwiwe expressed serious concerns about candidates tapping into government assets like vehicles, fuel, and drivers for campaign purposes.
“As the campaigns gather pace, no candidate should take advantage of their position to use state-funded vehicles or fuel,” Muntunutwiwe warned. “We are calling for a responsible and lawful approach to the management of public resources.”
He emphasized that such practices not only break the law but also weaken the country’s economy and promote political favoritism over national interests.
“Misusing public assets for political gain is not just unethical—it’s illegal,” he said. “These resources belong to the people and using them for personal campaigns is simply wasting what’s meant for the public good.”
OLUCOME’s statement comes just days after the official start of Burundi’s electoral campaign season, which was launched on May 13 by President Evariste Ndayishimiye.
During the launch, the Burundian president echoed similar sentiments, urging public officials to remain neutral and calling on candidates to focus on concrete development plans rather than empty promises.
“Democracy is about electing leaders who can deliver,” President Ndayishimiye said. “Don’t just tell voters you care—show them how you plan to improve their lives.”
He also stressed the importance of equal access to media for all candidates and reminded government officials to uphold fairness throughout the campaign period.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) has completed the distribution of voter cards to polling stations across the country. According to the commission, 20 political parties, one coalition, and 12 independent candidates will take part in the legislative elections, with over six million Burundians registered to vote.
Campaign activities are permitted daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM and will run through June 2, according to a presidential decree.
Under the 2025 electoral calendar, legislative and municipal council elections will take place on June 05. Senatorial elections follow on July 23, and local leadership polls are scheduled for August 25 in five newly reorganized constituencies.
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