布隆迪选举委员会建议推迟大选

Burundi's electoral commission has recommended pushing back national elections, after unrest sparked by President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to seek a third term.

The National Independent Election Commission said Monday it has proposed legislative polls to take place on June 26, followed by the presidential election on July 15 and a senatorial vote on July 24.

The presidential election originally was set for June 26, but there has been no campaigning in the wake of violent protests and a failed coup attempt last month in the capital, Bujumbura.

Some opposition officials said the electoral commission lacks the legal authority to make any pronouncements because two of its five commissioners are believed to have fled the country.

More than 100,000 Burundians have fled the country since the protests began.

The president's supporters say he is eligible for a third term because he was elected by parliament, not voters, for his first five-year term in 2005. The constitutional court has ruled in favor of the president.

But his critics say that by running for a third term, he is violating term limits in the constitution and the accords that ended Burundi's civil war.

The United States has called on Mr. Nkurunziza not to run for a third term, saying the decision could destabilize Burundi.