Congo Republic votes, opposition wants boycott

He won the last election in 2002, when his main rivals were banned or withdrew, citing irregularities.

"In terms of the electoral process, not much has evolved since 2002 in terms of an administration which does not give clear figures on registration, electoral lists or the process itself," Miguel Amado, head of the EU mission in Congo said.

"We expected more progress from the government," he added.

The EU said it was not sending observers to monitor the vote due to priorities elsewhere.

Investors are looking for signs of stability before they diversify into other sectors of the economy such as mining and agriculture, and several deals hinge on the outcome of the poll.

A group of South African farmers have been told they must wait until after polling day to find out if they have secured a multi-million hectare land deal in Congo, one of the largest such deals on the continent.