Millions of Senegalese voters are casting their ballots in the country’s presidential election today.

Over 6 million Senegalese are registered to vote and the youth vote could have a significant impact, as the average age in the country is 19.

Polling began at 8am with long queues of voters at polling centres around the country.

President Macky Sall is seeking a second term and faces four challengers in his bid.

Sall is the bookies favourite to win Sunday’s presidential election. He is seeking a second term to complete his ambitious development and reform programme aimed at transforming Senegal into an emerging economy by 2035.

The plan includes an array of big ticket infrastructure projects, including a rail project, power generation and a futuristic new city on the outskirts of Dakar.

However, his presidency has been marred by accusation of heavy-handedness towards rivals and political dissent.  He is accused of preventing political rivals from running. Critics have also accused him of doing little to improve the lives of ordinary Senegalese.

Sall’s main challenger is Ousmane Sonko, a young charismatic politician who has a huge following among the youth and disaffected section of the population who wants a change of direction.

The former tax inspector made a name for himself in 2016 when he became a whistle blower, denouncing corrupt practices in the Senegalese elite.

His party, the Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF) is aiming to upend the political class with series of reforms including abandoning the CFA Franc zone and fighting corruption.   

Official results are expected to be announced Friday, with a run-off between the two frontrunners on March 24 if no single candidate secures a majority.