Cameroon votes in presidential election as Paul Biya, 92, seeks eighth term

"Biya, the world's oldest serving head of state, is likely to extend his 43 years in power in the Central African nation. Polls have opened in Cameroon in an election that could see the world's oldest serving head of state extend his rule for another seven years. The single-round election on Sunday is likely to return 92-year-old incumbent Paul Biya as president for an eighth term in the Central African nation of 30 million people."

"Biya, in power for 43 years, faces off against 11 challengers, including former government spokesman Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 79, who has generated unexpected momentum for a campaign calling for an end to the leader's decades-long tenure. Bakary a close ally of Biya for 20 years, who resigned from the government in June to join the opposition is considered the top contender to unseat the incumbent after another leading opponent, Maurice Kamto, was barred from the race."

"We shouldn't be naive. We know full well the ruling system has ample means at its disposal to get results in its favour, Cameroonian political scientist Stephane Akoa told the AFP news agency, while noting that the campaign had been much livelier in recent days than previous versions. This poll is therefore more likely to throw up surprises, he said."

"Francois Conradie, lead political economist at Oxford Economics, told the Reuters news agency that while a surprise is still possible, a divided opposition and the backing of a formidable electoral machine will, we predict, give the 92-year-old his eighth term. Biya has remained in power for nearly 43 years by deftly dividing his adversaries, and, although we think he isn't very aware of what is going on, it seems that the machine he built will divide to rule one last time, Conradie said."

Polls opened across Cameroon for a single-round presidential election likely to return 92-year-old Paul Biya to power for an eighth term. Biya has led the country for 43 years and faces 11 challengers, including former government spokesman Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 79, who resigned in June after two decades as an ally and generated unexpected momentum. Maurice Kamto was barred from the race. Analysts point to Biya's firm grip on state institutions and a divided opposition as factors favoring re-election. Observers warn the ruling system has substantial means to influence outcomes, though recent campaigning appeared livelier and surprises remain possible.

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