Voters in tiny Sao Tome and Principe went to the polls Sunday to choose their next president.

Incumbent President Fradrique de Menezes is the favorite to win and secure another five-year term as leader of the archipelago, off Africa's west coast.

The president faces two challengers, including former foreign minister Patrice Trovoada.

Sao Tome's 170,000 people have suffered through poverty and several failed governments in recent years.

However, the country has an offshore oil-exploration zone with Nigeria that has residents hoping for an economic turnaround.

In May, U.S. energy giant Chevron said it had struck oil and gas in the zone. The company has said it is too soon to know whether the find is commercially viable.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.