Cameroon's 92-year-old president set for another term as country goes to polls

"Cameroon goes to the polls on Sunday for a presidential election with Paul Biya, already the world's oldest head of state at the age of 92, the favourite to win an eighth term in power in the central African country. A fractured opposition of 11 candidates is standing against Biya, who, despite his advanced age and declining health, has dismissed calls for him to retire."

"Many of the 7.8 million Cameroonians eligible to vote can remember no leader other than Biya, who has held on to the presidency with an iron fist since 1982. The vote is taking place against the backdrop of political stagnation, a cost of living crisis and social unrest. Opposition parties have accused the electoral commission, Elections Cameroon, of being subservient to the ruling party, and the most credible opposition candidate, Maurice Kamto, has had his candidacy barred by the courts."

Paul Biya, 92, has governed Cameroon since 1982 and is widely seen as the favorite to secure an eighth term despite advanced age and health concerns. Eleven opposition candidates are contesting, but the opposition remains fractured and unable to mount a cohesive challenge. Maurice Kamto, regarded as the most credible opponent, had his candidacy barred by the courts. The electoral commission faces accusations of being subservient to the ruling party. Cameroon faces political stagnation, a cost-of-living crisis, pervasive youth unemployment, and widespread poverty affecting roughly one-third of the population. Voter turnout has declined in recent years.

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