Mauritanians are voting for the first time since the country gained independence from France in 1960.
The 62-year-old is standing down after serving the maximum two five-year elected terms.
However the status quo is likely to prevail when a new leader is elected.
Abdel Aziz has expressed his support for Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who is a former general and defense minister.
Malaysia ex-PM Najib jailed for 15 more years in 1MDB case
Malaysia's former premier Najib Razak was jailed on Friday for a further 15 years and fined $2.8 billion for power abuse and money laundering in the biggest trial of the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal, a ruling that could have big political ramifications.
US launches strike against ISIS in northwest Nigeria
The United States has carried out a strike against IS targets in northwest Nigeria at the request of Nigeria's government, President Donald Trump and the US military said on Thursday, claiming the group had been targeting Christians in the region.
Israel formally recognises Somaliland as independent state
Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday - a decision that could reshape regional dynamics and test Somalia’s long standing opposition to its secession.
Explosion at mosque in Syria's Homs kills eight
Eight people were killed in an explosion at a mosque of the Alawite minority sect in the Syrian city of Homs on Friday.
Ukraine president discusses "bringing peace closer" with US negotiators
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday that he spoke with US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner for about an hour on how to end the war with Russia.
The UAE's President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has held talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Dubai authorities say they are fully prepared to deliver a safe, world-class New Year’s Eve celebration across the emirate.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has arrived in Islamabad on an official visit to Pakistan.
