Ankara: A group of military officers in Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday suspended the country's electoral process and announced that they are in control "until further notice," according to a report by French broadcaster RFI.

According to Anadolu Agency, the officers, who identified themselves as the "High Military Command for the Restoration of Order," read a statement at the armed forces headquarters detailing their actions. They declared the suspension of the ongoing electoral process, canceled the presidential and legislative election results, and suspended media programs, while urging the nation to "remain calm."

The military's intervention followed reports of gunfire near Guinea-Bissau's presidential palace on Wednesday. Both Fernando Dias, an independent candidate, and incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo's camp had claimed victory on Monday after the weekend presidential elections, as the country awaited the official results.

The RFI reported that Dias and former Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, who supported him, were arrested and taken to the Air Force Base. Pereira, a member of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), was disqualified from this year's election after authorities cited a late filing of his candidacy papers.

Embalo, in an interview with French outlet Jeune Afrique, said he was detained around noon on Wednesday while in his office at the presidential palace. Along with him, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Gen. Biague Na Ntan, his vice Gen. Mamadou Toure, and Interior Minister Botche Cande were also detained. Embalo described the event as a "coup" led by the commander of the land forces, adding that no violence was used against him.

Gunfire was also reported around midday near the electoral commission's offices, as cited by several sources in the French outlet's report. Earlier on Wednesday, Dias had urged the military to remain neutral and allow the electoral process to proceed, reiterating his claim of victory. He expressed his intention to wait for the official results, which were expected to be announced on Thursday.

The electoral commission had previously assured the public that the final election outcome would be revealed by Thursday, cautioning voters, candidates, political parties, electoral coalitions, and the media against announcing any results prematurely.