Tension Grows As DR Congo Awaits Poll Result

Tension is growing in the Democratic Republic of Congo where results of recent presidential elections are expected in the coming days.

The electoral commission was to publish results last Sunday but said they needed more time.

Its officials are currently deliberating and evaluating presidential election results - after which they will announce a winner.

Their meeting started on Tuesday evening and could last two or three days.

A spokesperson for the electoral commission has told BBC News that deliberations usually take between 24 and 48 hours, however they said that there are no limitations and the board will announce provisional results when they are ready.

A heavy riot police presence was seen in the capital, blocking access to the electoral commission office.

There are widespread concerns that a contested result could spark unrest.

The country's powerful Catholic church has called on the authorities to reflect the will of the people in the results.