Cameroonians voted on Sunday in an election that could extend the decades-long rule of the world’s oldest president, Paul Biya, who is seeking a new seven-year term at the age of 92.
Biya, who has led Cameroon since 1982 after succeeding Ahmadou Ahidjo, is widely expected to win again. If re-elected, he would remain in power until 99, further entrenching his position as one of the world’s longest-serving leaders.
Speculation about his health has grown in recent years, as he spends long periods abroad while key officials oversee daily governance at home.
Dr. Benjamin Akih, a Cameroonian academic at Syracuse University, told The Associated Press that opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary might perform better than in past elections due to voter fatigue and Biya’s age. “This election is different. Mr. Biya was the weakest candidate the CPDM could put forward on account of his age and the poor state of the country after his 43 years in power,” he said.
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Paul Biya cast his vote in the capital, Yaoundé, but declined to discuss his plans until results are announced. Official results are expected by October 26.
The election comes amid rising insecurity and economic hardship. Conflict continues in the Anglophone regions, where separatists clash with government forces, while Boko Haram remains active in the north. The UN estimates that about 43 percent of Cameroonians live in poverty.
Roughly eight million citizens, including more than 34,000 overseas voters, were eligible to cast ballots across 31,000 polling stations.