GAMBIA: The tiny west African state of Gambia holds a presidential election today but few doubt that the incumbent, Yahya Jammeh, a former wrestler and coup leader, will win. In trademark white robes and skull-cap and brandishing a ceremonial sword, Jammeh has cut an imposing figure during his campaign for a third five-year term, touring the country in a stretched black Humvee.
Mr Jammeh seized power in 1994 as an army lieutenant in his 20s and has won two elections: the first, in 1996, was dismissed as "unfair" by observers; and the second was clinched in 2001 with 53 per cent of the vote after a campaign marred by bloodshed.
The opposition could not decide on a single candidate, so Mr Jammeh faces human rights lawyer Oussainou Darboe and Halifa Sallah, a sociologist turned politician. The candidate with most first-round votes wins, with no need for a second round.
Visitors to Gambia could be forgiven for thinking that the election was a one-horse race. Mr Jammeh's green flags hang from traffic lights and telegraph poles on main roads. Opposition banners are nowhere to be seen.
Lest anyone doubt where the security forces' allegiances lie, Jammeh supporters hang from police cars and soldiers wave to crowds while brandishing Kalashnikovs. "African politics means money. Whoever has the money can convince people. He is the president, so he has the money," said taxi-driver Kebba Ceesay, as he waited for the president's motorcade to pass.