Guinea-Bissau held presidential and legislative elections on Sunday, with incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló seeking a second term in office.
The vote comes at a tense moment for West Africa, where several recent elections have been marred by disputes and democratic setbacks.
Embaló faces 11 challengers, including Fernando Dias, a relative newcomer backed by former Prime Minister Domingos Simões Pereira.
However, both Pereira and his PAIGC party — the historic independence movement — were barred from contesting after authorities said their submissions were late.
Analysts expect a tight race between Embaló and Dias, with a candidate needing more than 50% of votes to avoid a runoff.
Embaló, a former army general who came to power in 2021, enjoys the support of a coalition of over 20 groups and has campaigned on promises of stability, improved road networks, and expanded water access.
Dias has pledged to strengthen basic services, promote national reconciliation, and ensure the military stays out of politics.
Guinea-Bissau has a long history of coups and political instability, and the exclusion of the main opposition party has heightened fears of potential post-election tensions.
A win for Embaló would make him the first leader in three decades to secure a second consecutive term.
About 900,000 registered voters cast ballots for president and 102 seats in the National People’s Assembly.
Polls closed at 1700 GMT, with provisional results expected within 48 hours.
