The polls are open in Gambia, where political observers expect President Yahya Jammeh to win another five-year term after the opposition failed to form a coalition to challenge him.

The chairman of Gambia's Independent Electoral Commission has rejected claims by a bloc of West African nations that conditions on the ground are not conducive to ensure Thursday's ballot is transparent, free and fair.

Mustapha Carayol says accusations by the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States of fraud and intimidation are politically motivated and baseless.

ECOWAS says the campaign has been rife with voter intimidation and ruling party control of the media. The bloc is refusing to send election observers to Gambia. Observers from the European Union and African Union will be present.

President Jammeh took power in a bloodless coup in 1994. He is known for tossing candy and gifts to supporters at campaign events and also claims he has a herbal remedy that cures AIDS. His supporters say he has helped improve the country's infrastructure, education and healthcare.

But Mr. Jammeh's critics say Gambia is still deep in poverty. They accuse the president of being responsible for killings, torture and stifling political dissent and press freedoms.

Opposition candidate Ousainu Darboe tells VOA he is confident he can unseat Mr. Jammeh, saying Gambians are disenchanted with the longtime ruler and are ready for change.

Meanwhile, Carayol says he expects Gambians will learn the outcome of the presidential vote by early Friday.