Chinese observers to monitor Tajikistan presidential election

China has sent a group of observers to monitor the presidential election in Tajikistan, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said in Beijing on Wednesday.

"As a good neighbor and strategic partner, China believes that this election will be going smoothly," spokesman Hong Lei told a regular press briefing.

The Chinese observers will be objective and fair in evaluating the election, Hong said.

Voting started Wednesday morning in the central Asian state, where six candidates, including incumbent Emomali Rahmon will run for the presidency.

Preliminary results are expected on Thursday.