KIGALI, Rwanda

The heads of the joint African Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) election observation missions and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) expressed “deep concern” Wednesday after a military takeover of power in Guinea-Bissau following a presidential election.

The military earlier Wednesday deposed the country’s president, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, as the nation awaited the results of presidential and legislative polls held Sunday.

“We express deep concern with the announcement of a coup d’etat by the armed forces while the nation was waiting for the announcement of the results. It is regrettable that this announcement came at the time when the missions had just concluded meeting with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to accept the will of the people,” the observer missions said in a joint statement.

A group of military officers identifying themselves as the "High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order" announced that they "assumed full powers of the state" in a statement broadcast on state television.

The military suspended all media activities, halted the ongoing electoral process, closed all borders and imposed a nine-hour curfew starting at 9 pm local time (2100GMT).

The heads of the electoral observer missions urged the African Union and ECOWAS to take the necessary steps to restore constitutional order.

“We deplore the blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains that have been achieved that far,” the statement said.

They also raised concern about the arrest of officials, including those that were in charge of the electoral process.

“In this regard, we urge the armed forces to immediately release the detained officials to allow the country’s electoral process to proceed to its conclusion,” the observers added.

The observer missions had commended the people of Guinea-Bissau for their strong civic engagement, noting that the voting process was orderly and peaceful.

The coup was staged as independent candidate Fernando Dias and incumbent President Embalo’s camps both claimed victory Monday in the presidential election as the country awaited the results.

Twelve candidates were in the race for president.

The electoral commission was expected to announce the final outcome of the election by Thursday.