The Democratic Republic of Congo will not be able to afford an agreed presidential election this year, the government says.
Budget Minister Pierre Kangudia said the cost of organising the poll, which was said to be $1.8bn (£1.5bn), was too expensive.
Last year the government and the opposition agreed that new elections would be held by the end of 2017.
President Joseph Kabila’s final mandate ran out in November 2016.
Mr Kabila’s opponents have accused him of repeatedly delaying the poll in order to remain in power.