NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania (AP) — Polls closed in Mauritania’s presidential election on Saturday, with incumbent Mohamed Ould Ghazouani widely expected to secure a win. Ghazouani, who has positioned Mauritania as a key ally of the West in a region beset by coups and violence, seeks reelection on a platform of security and economic growth.

Ghazouani, a former army chief and current president of the African Union, came to power in 2019 following the country’s first democratic transition. After voting in Ksar, a suburb of the capital, he committed to respecting the election outcome.

“The last word belongs to the Mauritanian voters,” Ghazouani stated. “I commit myself to respecting their choice.”

The voting process was reported to be peaceful, with a 40% turnout from 2 million eligible voters. Partial results were anticipated on Sunday.

“Nothing has been detected so far, and the CENI has not received any complaints,” said Taghioullah Ledhem, spokesman for CENI, the independent electoral commission. However, opposition candidates voiced concerns over irregularities, including voting without identity cards, voting by proxy, and the expulsion of opposition representatives.

Despite accusations of corruption and mismanagement from his opponents, Ghazouani remains popular among Mauritanians who view him as a symbol of stability. The election occurs amid a tense regional climate, with neighboring countries experiencing military coups and jihadi violence.

“We must not let ourselves be fooled by the slogans of the candidates who are not reassuring,” said Marième Brahim, a 38-year-old company executive who voted for Ghazouani. “Mauritania must vote for continuity and stability in a troubled environment, and it is not these candidates without experience in governance who will give us confidence.”

Ghazouani faced six opponents, including anti-slavery activist, opposition party leaders, and a neurosurgeon, who accused the government of corruption and clientelism.

Mauritania, rich in natural resources like iron ore, copper, zinc, phosphate, gold, oil, and natural gas, is set to become a gas producer by year-end with the launch of the BP-operated Greater Tortue Ahmeyin offshore gas project at the Senegal border. Despite this wealth, nearly 60% of the population lives in poverty, relying on farming or informal sector employment. Many young Mauritanians, lacking economic opportunities, attempt to migrate to Europe or the United States.

“I just voted for change. We have had enough of identical regimes which squander the people’s assets and maintain corruption,” said Mohamed Lemine Ould Moktar, 45, who voted for an opposition candidate. “Just look at more than 40,000 young Mauritanians taking the path of immigration to the United States by jumping the border wall between Mexico and the United States. This is why I am voting for change.”