South Africa, Zambia pressure DRC on vote

The presidents of South Africa and Zambia are urging Democratic Republic of Congo's electoral commission to "speedily" complete vote-counting and announce the delayed results of the December 30 presidential election.

The statement released by South Africa's foreign ministry reflects pressure on DRC by regional powers who don't want to see the vast Central African nation return to widespread violence.

The statement says South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Zambian President Edgar Lungu warn that the delay in releasing results "can lead to suspicions and compromise peace and stability of the country."

DRC's electoral commission is meeting to discuss the results and could announce them as early as Wednesday. Anti-riot police are positioned outside.

DRC's government has rejected Western pressure over the long-delayed election, calling it interference.

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