Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, 92, has announced his bid for an eighth term in the October 12 election, potentially extending his four-decade rule into his late 90s. The world’s oldest serving head of state, Biya made the declaration via X, stirring debate over his fitness for office amid recurring absences and persistent health rumors. While ruling party loyalists rally behind him, critics argue his prolonged leadership has stunted democratic and economic progress in the Central African nation. Several opposition figures—including Maurice Kamto and Cabral Libii—are also in the race, calling for electoral reform and political renewal. With term limits abolished in 2008 and power concentrated in the presidency, Biya’s bid signals continued uncertainty in a country long overdue for democratic transition.
Aljazeera
