Mauritanians are voting for the first time since the country gained independence from France in 1960.
- Citizens headed to the polls on Saturday to choose a successor President Mohammed Ould Abdel Aziz.
The 62-year-old is standing down after serving the maximum two five-year elected terms.
However the status quo is likely to prevail when a new leader is elected.
Abdel Aziz has expressed his support for Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who is a former general and defense minister.

Nine days after disaster, two pulled alive from Nepal hydropower tunnel
Philippine court issues warrant for VP Duterte's arrest in grave threats case
Typhoon Saudel brings torrential rain, flooding to China's coastal areas
US investigates deadly strike on Iranian wedding
Nepal flood losses estimated at $2.56 billion, official says
Kuwait air defences deal with Iranian missile, drone attacks
Nepal to rebuild early-warning system on China border after deadly flood, sources say
US House passes bill to crack down on university boycotts of Israel
