Cameroon's 92-Year-Old President Poised for Eighth Term Amid Calls to Step Down

Cameroon's 92-Year-Old President Set for Another Term as Country Goes to Polls YAOUNDE, Cameroon - Paul Biya, the world's oldest head of state at 92, is poised to win an eighth term in power in Cameroon after a presidential election on Sunday. The vote has been marred by calls for him to retire due to his advanced age and declining health. Despite opposition from 11 candidates, including several prominent politicians, Biya remains the favourite to win. His ruling party's secretary general, Grégoire Owona, dismissed concerns about Biya's age, saying "Our candidate is in great shape... and he is capable of continuing what he has started." Biya has been in power since 1982, making him one of Africa's longest-serving leaders. Many Cameroonians can remember no other leader but Biya, who has maintained a tight grip on the presidency throughout his tenure. The election comes as Cameroon faces a separatist crisis in its English-speaking regions, where violence and instability have led to thousands of deaths and displacements. The opposition has criticized Biya's handling of the crisis, accusing him of being out of touch with the needs of the country's people. "We need change," said John Fru Ndi, a prominent opposition leader who is running against Biya for the first time in decades. "The president has been in power for too long and has failed to address the country's problems." Biya's supporters argue that he has brought stability and economic growth to Cameroon during his tenure. However, critics point out that the country's economy remains heavily dependent on oil exports, and that Biya's government has been accused of corruption and human rights abuses. The election is expected to be closely contested, with many voters expressing frustration with the status quo. "I'm not sure who to vote for," said a young voter in Yaounde. "But I know I want change." The outcome of the election will have significant implications for Cameroon's future. If Biya wins, he will continue to face pressure from international donors and human rights groups to address the country's problems. If he loses, it could signal a new era of leadership in Cameroon. Polls are open on Sunday, with results expected later that day. *Reporting by Theguardian.*