Voting began at the 712 polling stations, with 67 international observers deployed to monitor the process on behalf of key regional and international bodies, including the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The mission from the continental organization, the largest in the group with 47 members, is headed by former Rwandan Prime Minister Bernard Makuza, while the IGAD delegation is led by former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome.

According to the Djiboutian Ministry of the Interior, 256,467 voters are registered nationwide, including more than 162,000 in the capital.

The elections are considered a crucial moment for the African nation, with Guelleh seeking a sixth term under the ruling Union Party, which holds a Presidential Majority.

After weeks of political campaigning marked by demonstrations, voter outreach, and public debates, attention will now focus on the transparency, participation, and credibility of the electoral process.

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