Cameroon holds presidential poll with 92 year-old Biya poised for 8th term

Biya

Voting began Sunday as Cameroon holds presidential elections, which 92-year-old Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state, is expected to win, extending his already 43-year grip on power.

Biya faces 11 opponents, including former employment minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 79, who has generated unexpected enthusiasm among voters in the central African nation, where half the population is under 20.

Polling stations opened at 8:00 am and will close at 6:00 pm (0700 to 1700 GMT).

The eight million Cameroonians who are eligible to vote in the one-round election have, for the most part, only known one ruler in their lifetime.