Mozambicans went to the polls on Wednesday to vote in presidential and parliamentary elections.

A total of 17 million people out of a population of 31 million are voting to elect a new president and 250 members of parliament and provincial councils.

Candidates from the main parties are vying to succeed outgoing President Filipe Nyusi, led by Daniel Chapo of Frelimo, which has ruled the country since independence in 1975, and Usufo Momade of RENAMO, with two other candidates, Lutiro Simango of the Popular Democratic Movement and independent candidate Venancio Mondlane.

Vote counting will begin as soon as the polls close at 18:00 local time today, with partial results to be announced as they are received, and official results to be announced by the National Electoral Commission (CNE) after 15 days.