Senegal's President and candidate for the upcoming presidential elections Macky Sall greets his supporters as he arrives to attend his final campaign rally in Dakar, Senegal February 22, 2019. REUTERS/ Zohra Bensemra

DAKAR/FATICK, Senegal (Reuters) - Polls opened in Senegal on Sunday in an election President Macky Sall is expected to win after strong economic growth in his first term, although rights groups criticize him for squeezing out rivals.

About 6.5 million people are registered to vote at polling stations that will remain open until 6 p.m. (1800 GMT). Official results are due out on Friday with a run-off for the top two on March 24 if no one secures a majority.