As a post-election ban on the internet enters its fourth day in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the government has called the shutdown a necessary step against the spread of unofficial results.

"It’s our place to call on all professionals who work in communication - both nationals and foreigners - to resist the temptation to broadcast results, due to our concern that this could sensationalise and intentionally skew results," said Lambert Mende, the minister of information.

He added:

The government has done what it is meant to do in such circumstances. That is, to make sure that laws apply to everyone, from the least to the most powerful."

Mr Mende did say however that the government would consider a request from civil society to restore the internet.

Provisional results are officially expected on 6 January, but the electoral commission now says there could be a delay, Reuters reports.