The recounting of the ballot papers for the Swapo Party's Central Committee has been put on hold, pending a decision by the top leadership.

This was confirmed to nbc News by returning officer Joshua Kaumbi a while ago.

The party's Secretary-General, Sophia Shaningwa, in a statement, directed Kaumbi to recount the votes last night in the presence of election observers.

She said the directive follows an election petition by some party members who questioned the process.

Meanwhile, some party members, particularly those who are among the newly elected members of the Central Committee, have challenged Shaningwa's directive, as only the CC has the power to call for a recount after discussing the concerns that may arise after a congress has been concluded.