Togo is holding presidential elections today. They are regarded as a test for the country's young democracy.

Incumbent President Faure Gnassingbé is standing for re-election. He took office five years ago on the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadema, who ruled Togo as dictator for 38 years.

Togo's last presidential elections in 2005 were boycotted by the opposition and triggered rioting which led to the deaths of over 400 people. President Gnassingbé (43) faces competition from six opposition candidates. The economist Jean-Pierre Fabre is considered his biggest rival.

The European Union, the African Union and ECOWAS - the Economic Community of West African States - have all sent observers to the elections.