Burundi's presidential election delayed to July 21

BUJUMBURA: Burundi's presidential election has been postponed to July 21 from July 15, a presidential spokesman said on Saturday, after African leaders called for a delay in a bid to resolve the nation's worst political crisis since a civil war ended in 2005.

President Pierre Nkurunziza's announcement on April 25 that he planned to seek a third term in office triggered weeks of protests by opponents who say it violates the constitution. The president cites a court ruling say he can run again.

When asked whether the presidential vote had been delayed, presidential spokesman Gervais Abayeho told Reuters in a brief phone text message: "Postponed to July 21."