Senegalese lined up to vote today Sunday, 24 March in a tightly contested presidential race that followed months of uncertainty and unrest that has tested the West African nation’s reputation as a stable democracy in a region that has experienced a wave of coups in recent years.

After an election delay and weeks of protests, more than seven million people in Senegal will head to the polls to pick from 19 candidates competing to succeed President Macky Sall.

The election comes after President Macky Sall unsuccessfully tried to postpone February the vote until the end of the year, sparking violent protests. Sall is barred by the constitution from seeking a third term. As a result, the vote is taking place during Ramadan, the holy month when observant Muslims fast from dawn until dusk.

Lines formed outside polling stations in the early morning, while roads were largely deserted in the capital Dakar. The nation’s elite police force deployed across the city in armored vehicles and checked voters’ cards. Results are expected next week.