Burundi to Postpone Local, Parliamentary Elections 1 Week

Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza delayed parliamentary and local elections until June 2, following weeks of protests and a coup attempt. Pierre Claver Ndayigagire, president of Burundi's electoral commission, confirmed the move to VOA's French to Africa service. A presidential spokesman told reporters Wednesday the president made his decision on advice from the election commission and following requests from the opposition and the international community. June 2 is a one-week delay from the original parliamentary election date. The spokesman said no decision has been made on whether to delay the presidential election, which is scheduled for June 26.

Thousands of Burundians have been protesting in the capital, Bujumbura, demanding that Nkurunziza step down over his controversial decision to run for a third term in office.

Police on Tuesday fired tear gas and beat protesters who said they will remain in the streets until the president withdraws his plan to seek a third term. The opposition said a third term would violate the constitution, but the president and his supporters say he is eligible to run again because he was appointed to his first term by parliament.

At least 20 people have died in three weeks of clashes between security forces and protesters.

The president withstood a coup attempt last week when he was out of the country for a regional conference focused on Burundi's political situation. (VOA)