Mobile phone social media and messaging apps are not working in Zambia as the country continues to vote in a general election, internet monitoring service Netblocks says.

This means that services such as Twitter and WhatsApp are not available.

Several other countries in recent years, including Uganda and Tanzania, have restricted access to certain apps on polling day.

Earlier today, President Edgar Lungu, who faces a stiff challenge from opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema, was among the first people to vote as polls opened in the capital Lusaka.

There are 14 other presidential candidates in the race.

-BBC-