Democratic Republic of Congo’s constitutional court is poised to rule as early as Friday on a challenge to the presidential election results.

But the African Union continental body has issued a surprise last-minute request for DRC’s government to suspend the announcement of final results, citing “serious doubts” about the vote.

Declared runner-up Martin Fayulu has requested a recount, alleging fraud.

Upholding the official election results could spark violence in a country hoping for its first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence in 1960.

Fayulu has asked for a recount of the December 30 election, asserting that DRC’s electoral commission published provisional results wildly different from those obtained at polling stations.