Millions of Congolese voted enthusiastically in their first free elections in 40 years today.
It is hoped the poll will end years of war, corruption and chaos that have brought the mineral-rich African country to its knees.
As polling wound down and counting of ballots began across Democratic Republic of Congo, United Nations officials and international observers reported a high turnout and said voting had been mostly enthusiastic, orderly and peaceful.
Counting got underway immediately as voting centres closed.
However, results from the 50,000 polling stations are expected to take up to three weeks to collate.
32 candidates are running for the presidency with over 9,000 candidates running for parliament.
More than 25 million people are entitled to vote.
