The African Union (AU) is holding its elections in Addis Ababa on Monday to choose the union's next chairperson.
Kenya's representative Amb Amina Mohamed is in the race to take over the continental body.
She will however face tough opposition from Pelonomi Venson Moitoi (Botswana), Agapito Mba Mokuy (Equatorial Guinea), Moussa Faki Mahamat (Chad) and Abdoulaye Bathily (Senagal).
Each of the five candidates in the contest is targeting at least 11 votes in their first round of polling as the person with the least votes in this round will be forced to drop out of the race in the second round.
The result of the first round of voting has an impact on the second round as it involves swing votes.
The polling will be done by secret ballot according to Rule 38 of the Rules of Procedure which prescribes the method except when electing a ceremonial chairperson of the Assembly and here consensus is used.
Only heads of state and government or their representatives are eligible to cast a vote.