Updated

The head of the United Nations mission in Congo says he does not believe the country will be able to hold its presidential election as scheduled in November.

Maman Sidikou told at a press conference Thursday in Kinshasa that even a partial revision of the electoral register in preparation for the vote would take at least nine months, meaning the election could not be held until next year.

Tension has been mounting in this central African country amid opposition claims that President Joseph Kabila wants to delay the vote so he can stay in power past his mandate, which expires at the end of the year.

Kabila is barred from running for a third term under Congo's constitution.

Congo has never had a peaceful transfer of power.