The African Union and Southern African Development Community (SADC) have described the elections recently held in the Democratic Republic of Congo as well managed, adding that voting was relatively smooth.
Observers however acknowledged that many polling stations opened late. They also concluded that voters had been insufficiently educated about electronic voting machines, which were used in the country for the first time. In addition, the AU criticised the decision to exclude some voters from the polls, saying that political stakeholders were not adequately consulted. It said it hoped results of these elections will reflect the will of the people and called on those who wish to contest them to do so using the legal means available.
However, as the world awaits the result of the polls, internet facilities in the country has been suspended for three days.
The government says this is to avoid the spread of unofficial results. The shutdown is expected to continue at least until provisional results are published on January 6.
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