KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Congo's election officials are counting votes in a presidential election that the opposition and observers say has had numerous irregularities.

The ballot counting and compiling Monday is taking place across the vast Central African country, after an election day with many problems but in which Congolese showed their peaceful determination to register their votes.

Election observers reported multiple difficulties in voting to choose a successor to President Joseph Kabila who is stepping down after 17 years in power. The election had been delayed since late 2016, prompting the opposition to charge that Kabila was trying to stay on past his mandate.

Congo's presidential election is hoped to enable the country's first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence from Belgium in 1960. The official results are expected on Jan. 15.