Voters in the African nation of Sao Tome and Principe went to the polls Sunday to pick a new president.

Ten candidates are competing to succeed President Fradique de Menezes, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term.

The contenders include former president Manuel Pinto da Costa, who led a one-party socialist state from 1975 until 1990, and former prime minister Evaristo de Carvalho.

The new president faces the task of lifting Sao Tome out of chronic poverty.

The tiny archipelago, located in the Gulf of Guinea, is believed to have significant oil reserves and the potential for a thriving tourism industry.

A total of 92,000 voters were registered for the poll. Results could emerge by late Sunday.

If no candidate wins a majority, a run-off vote will take place later this month.