REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Congo-Brazzaville cuts phones

Congolese Interior Minister Raymond Mboulou has ordered telephone operators to cut all communications - telephone, text messages and the internet.

Only a few official numbers have been excluded from the ban.

President Denis Sassou Nguesso has been in power since 1979, except for a five-year period

The government also outlawed the use of motor vehicles nationwide during the vote, except for those with special permits.

The opposition has condemned the communications blackout, saying it will prevent election monitors from doing their job, and warned of rigging.

General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko is seen as the strongest challenger to President Denis Sassou Nguesso.

Mr Sassou Nguesso has been in power since 1979, except for a five-year period after losing elections in 1992.

The constitution was changed after an October referendum to remove term and age limits which would have prevented the 72-year-old from standing again.

BBC Africa