He said he would now be backing Moïse Katumbi, a millionaire businessman and former governor of the Katanga region.

Representatives of DR Congo's main opposition parties held talks earlier this week on how to ensure the election would be fair, and to investigate the possibility of a joint candidate to challenge President Felix Tshisekedi.

Mr Ponyo says he believes other opposition candidates will follow in his footsteps to withdraw in support of Mr Katumbi.

Both served during the time of former President Joseph Kabila - Mr Ponyo as PM for more than four years and Mr Katumbi as governor of the copper-rich Katanga province for nine years.

Mr Tshisekedi, who's seeking a second term, was among several candidates who officially launched their campaigns on Sunday.

The run-up to the 20 December vote has been tense.

Human rights groups have been accusing the authorities of cracking down on dissent and freedom of expression - charges the government denies.