running internal conflicts. Burundi provided an example of the tough road ahead on Thursday as officials in the small central African country postponed a constitutional referendum by one month to December, a further setback in the country's democratisation. But African officials remained upbeat about prospects for peace and elections both in Burundi and further afield. "Delays are to be expected," South African Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad said. "If countries need more time to get it right, they should be given it." Among those attending the conference were leaders from Burundi, South Africa, Zimbabwe, the Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
