DRC: Delayed election date announced

Elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been delayed until 30 July this year, electoral authorities say. The election is to be the first multi-party poll in 45 years, ending a turbulent post-war transitional period that began in 2003. Voting was scheduled for mid-2005, but has been postponed repeatedly to allow more time for candidates' registration. The presence of militia groups in the east of the country has also posed a further threat to free elections.