President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday noted the provisional results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) of the DRC and called on CENI to finalise the process "with speed to ensure the credibility of the election and also maintain peace and stability".

The provisional results put candidate Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo ahead of Martin Fayulu Madidi and Emmanuel Shadary.

"The President wishes to congratulate all parties and stakeholders in the DRC for ensuring peace and stability during the election processes and urge all regional and international interested parties to refrain from speculation and allow CENI to complete the process," the Presidency said in a statement.

"President Ramaphosa also urges all political parties and their supporters to also allow CENI to perform its legal and constitutional duties without interference and pressure."