The African Union on Monday called for the rights and freedom of all Congolese, to be upheld amid mounting tensions over the country's presidential race.

Candidates must submit their applications to run in Democratic Republic of Congo's long-delayed election, due on December 23 by Wednesday evening.

The Chairperson of the Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, called on all stakeholders to ensure that peaceful, transparent and truly inclusive elections are held, at this crucial stage of electoral process in DRC.

Faki also calls on all political actors in DRC, to act responsibly and in the best interests of their country, which must prevail over all other considerations.

He added that it is crucial that the rights and freedom of all Congolese voters are respected, and that a level electoral playing field is ensured.

The statement was issued after opposition leader Moise Katumbi, was blocked from returning home last week to file his bid.

Katumbi has been living in self-impost exile in Belgium since May 2016, after falling out with President Joseph Kabila.