SENEGAL went to the polls today in a tightly contested presidential race as the cost of living soars in the west African nation.

The vote followed months of uncertainty after President Macky Sall unsuccessfully tried to postpone the February 25 vote until the end of the year, sparking violent protests. 

President Sall is barred by the constitution from seeking a third term. As a result of his manoeuvres, 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 police force deployed across the city in armoured vehicles and checked voters’ cards. Results of the poll are expected next week.

In the run-up to Sunday'’s vote, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was released from prison last week, triggering jubilant celebrations on the streets of Dakar and renewed excitement about the contest. 

Mr Sonko was barred from running due to a prior conviction for defamation, and is backing his key ally Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who was also freed from prison last week.

Khodia Ndiayes, a cook, said she picked Faye on the ballot because she wanted Mr Sonko to win.

She told reporters: “I’m proud to have voted. 

“We need a new president because life is expensive, the economy is bad and we need better schools.”

The soaring cost of living is the main issue in the election for most Senegalese.

Food and energy prices are at sky-high levels and a third of the country’s youth are unemployed. Thousands risk their lives to try to reach Europe in search of jobs.