Ugandans votes today in a hotly contested election

Ugandans are voting today in an official election tainted by widespread destruction that some fear could intensify as security forces try to stop supporters of driving opposition challenger Bobi Wine from watching polling stations. Internet access has been cut off.

The vote count will begin when polls close at 4 p.m., and results are expected within 48 hours. More than 17 million characters are registered voters in this East African country of 45 million people. A candidate must win more than 50% to withdraw a runoff vote.

Longtime President Yoweri Museveni, an absolute who has wielded power since 1986, seeks a sixth term against a strong challenge from Wine, a popular young singer-turned-opposition administrator. Nine other challengers are trying to unseat Museveni.

Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has seen many associates jailed or go into hiding as security forces crackdown on opposition fans they fear could mount a street uprising leading to regime change. Wine insists he is going on a nonviolent campaign.

Wine, of the National Unity Platform party, has said he does not believe the election is free and fair. He has asked supporters to linger near polling stations to protect their votes. But the appointing commission, which the enemy sees as weak, has said all voters must return home after casting ballots.' The world is watching.'

"This election has already been rigged," another opposition candidate, Patrick Oboi Amuriat, told local broadcaster NTV as polls opened, adding that "we will not accept the outcome of this election."

The government's decision this week to shut down access to social media in retaliation over Facebook's removal of Museveni-linked Ugandan accounts accused of inauthentic behavior was meant "to limit the eyes on the election and, therefore, hide something," said Crispin Kaheru, an independent election observer.

Internet access was cut Wednesday night. "No matter what they do, the world is watching," Wine tweeted.

The 76-year-old Museveni's support has traditionally been concentrated in rural areas where many credit him with restoring a sense of peace and security that was lost during the regimes of dictators, including Idi Amin.