Djibouti's government says longtime President Ismail Omar Guelleh has yet again won the election with a landslide, earning him a fifth term, citing provisional results.

Home Affairs Minister Mumin Ahmed Sheikh told reporters early Saturday that Guelleh has received more than 98% of the 177,391 votes cast in the Horn of Africa nation, defeating his sole rival, businessman Zakaria Ismail Farah.

While appreciating Djibouti citizens, Guelleh tweeted on Saturday morning saying, "Thank you for your trust, thank you for Djibouti! Let's continue together!"

Other opposition boycotted Friday's vote.

The final results are expected to be announced later Saturday by the electoral commission.

The minister, in comments carried by state media, said Farah has received 1.59% of votes. Farah, who stopped campaigning early in protest over a lack of security for him, has not commented publicly.

This term should be the 73-year-old Guelleh's last, according the constitution, which limits the presidency to those under the age of 75.

More than 200,000 voters were registered for the election in the small but strategically important country of over 600,000 people.

(With input from agencies)