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Burundi gov't asks electoral body to consider presidential poll delay

Xinhua, July 10, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Burundian government on Thursday claimed to have instructed the country's electoral body (CENI) to consider a call by regional leaders to delay presidential poll scheduled for July 15 to July 30.

However, the delay must not violate the constitution and should avoid "an institutional vacuum", according to government spokesman Philippe Nzobonariba.

The East African Community (EAC) leaders on Monday held a summit on Burundi's political crisis in the Tanzanian city of Dar- es-Salaam, and urged the delay.

They also reiterated the call for the disarmament of youth groups affiliated to political parties.

Burundi has been in turmoil since April 25 when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced that he will run for a third term -- a move criticized by opponents as a violation of the constitution that limits the president to two terms in office.

Clashes between protesters and police have left more than 80 people dead, according to rights groups. Endi