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.

Israeli strikes kill 8 people in Gaza, medics say
Crew from NASA's simulated Mars mission emerges after 378 days in isolation
Thousands join Indian opposition protest demanding poll chief's resignation
Iranian negotiators continue talks in Doha aimed at ending conflict
Russian strikes cut power to thousands in Ukraine
