EPA
An opposition presidential candidate in the Democratic Republic of Congo has filed an appeal in the constitutional court against last month's poll result.
Martin Fayulu insists he won the vote and has demanded a manual recount, but the electoral commission declared rival Felix Tshisekedi the winner.
Troops have deployed near Mr Fayulu's residence and outside the court.
He accuses Mr Tshisekedi, also an opposition candidate, of making a deal with outgoing President Joseph Kabila.
There were reports of several hundred students protesting against the result and being dispersed by tear gas in the town of Mbandaka.
Protests were also reported in Kisangani but the south, where Mr Tshisekedi has broad support, was mainly celebrating.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged all sides "to refrain from violence" and widespread unrest has not yet been reported.
What was the result of the election?
According to the National Electoral Commission (Ceni), Mr Tshisekedi received 38.5% of the vote in the 30 December election.
The full results were:
- Felix Tshisekedi - 7 million votes
- Martin Fayulu - 6.4 million votes
- Emmanuel Shadary - 4.4 million votes
Turnout was reported to be 48%.
What could happen next?
Candidates must file any appeal to the constitutional court within 48 hours of the announcement of the provisional results.
Judges will then have seven days to deliberate.
Constitutional expert Jacques Ndjoli told the BBC there were three possible outcomes: the court could confirm Mr Tshisekedi's victory, order a recount, or cancel the results altogether and call fresh elections.
REUTERS
The constitutional court has never overturned results before, and some think most of its judges are close to the ruling party.
If Mr Tshisekedi were confirmed as the winner, he would be expected to be inaugurated within 10 days.
source@bbc.com
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