Gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp adjusts his tie before speaking to volunteers and staff at his campaign office as they hold a phone banking event in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.

Five voters filed an Election Day emergency lawsuit to strip Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp of his powers to preside over the race for governor in which he is the Republican candidate.

The lawsuit seeks to bar Kemp from participating in vote counting, the certification of results, as well as any runoff or recount procedures.

The lawsuit, prepared by the watchdog group Protect Democracy, alleges that Kemp "has used the official powers of his office to interfere in the election to benefit himself and his political party and disadvantage his opponents."

"In doing so," the lawsuit says, "he has violated the Constitutional rights of Plaintiffs and other Georgia voters."

Kemp is battling Democrat Stacey Abrams in a tight race that remains within striking distance for both candidates. He has come under increasing scrutiny in recent days over actions he has taken while presiding over the election process. His campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.