This has been a tightly controlled election. During voting, Uzbekistan's borders were closed as part of increased security measures in place across the country.

The race is effectively a one man contest - there are three other candidates, but they have been fielded by pro-government parties, a move that critics say is to create the illusion of choice. President Islam Karimov's genuine rivals, have not been allowed to run.

Uzbekistan Voters Go to Polls

Karimov has ruled Uzbekistan since it was a Soviet Republic nearly two decades ago. He has won two terms in office and extended his rule several times through parliament and a referendum. None of these votes has been recognized as free or fair by international election monitors.

Uzbekistan Voters Go to Polls

The Organization for Security And Cooperation in Europe has only sent a small team of observers.

Uzbekistan Voters Go to Polls

Many international news organizations have been denied permission to cover the election. Human-rights activists have already reported that the government has been pressuring voters to cast their ballots in favor of the president.

Karimov, though, has vowed to hold a transparent vote and to bring more democracy if re-elected. But it is clear he tolerates little dissent, as he has either arrested or sent into exile all his political rivals.

Uzbekistan is a strategically important, energy rich, country, in which Russia, China and the United States are jockeying for influence. But since 2005, President Karimov has been in a stand-off with the West following the massacre in the eastern city of Andijan where hundreds of people were killed by Government troops in a failed uprising.

President Karimov appears set to reign for another seven-year term. The first election results are expected Monday.