Mr Fayulu said the "Congolese people already know" the result of the vote, which took place on 30 December.

A local observer group said it had witnessed "major" irregularities at counting stations.

President Joseph Kabila is due to step down after 18 years in office.

The election outcome was initially expected to be announced on Sunday - and results are now expected later on Wednesday.

Anti-riot police have been deployed in the capital, Kinshasa, and access to the offices of the election commission has been blocked, reports the BBC's Louise Dewast from the city.

Amid growing concerns that violence could break out, Zambia's President Edgar Lungu and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa met on Wednesday to discuss the situation in DR Congo.

They urged the electoral commission to release the results fast to avoid suspicions and instability.

South Africa is a key ally of Mr Kabila, while Zambia hosts more than 60,000 refugees who have fled conflict in DR Congo.

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