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.