The oldest president of the world seeks to expand the rule as Cameroon holds elections

Cameroon began voting on Sunday in a presidential election, where the established Paul Biya, the world’s oldest ruler in 92, is widely expected to extend his 43 -year -old handle to power despite active opposition to change.

His opponents include former government spokesman Issa Tchiroma, 76, who has galvanized large crowds that requires ending Biya’s long term and approvals by a platform for some opposition parties and political groups.

However, analysts say that Biya, in power since 1982, is likely to be re -elected, given the steady control of state machinery and the fragmented nature of a field of opposition nine candidates.

Decades of economic stagnation

“Nothing is given, let’s wait and see, let’s wait for the winner’s name,” Biya told reporters after voting in the luxury Bastos neighborhood near the presidential palace in the Yaounde capital.

Outside, voters fell into tight security around the president to vote.
“I hope it goes well, especially for my champion,” said one voter Patrick Mbarga Mboa, 45, refused to say who supported. “I hope that peace and tranquility will continue in the country after the elections.”

Biya critics are still hoping that it can be removed after decades of economic stagnation and tensions in the Central African Nation of 30 million people, an oil and cocoa producer.

“These elections come at a time when the whole nation aspires for change,” the chimney said after a vote in Garoua’s homeland in the northern region.

He called on voters to remain vigilant and to ensure that the results announced by the Constitutional Council reflect the outcome of the votes.

“For 43 years, Cameroon, there are no jobs,” said Hassane Djbril, a driver from Yaounde’s Brueterie neighborhood, who plans to vote for Tchiroma.

Biya’s slogan: “Great and Hope”

The vote started at 0700 GMT and ends at 1700 GMT. Just over 8 million people have registered to vote. The results are expected within 15 days.

Biya abolished a term in 2008 and has a long developed division and combustion tactics. The electoral system of a round gives the candidate with the most votes, even if they have not secured a majority.

“A surprise is still possible, but a divided opposition and the support of a terrible electoral machine, we will predict, give its 92 -year -old eighth term,” said Francois Conradie, leader of political economist at Oxford Economics.

“Although we believe he does not know very well what is happening, it seems that the machine he built will split up to rule one last time,” Conradie added in a note.

Under the slogan “Great and Hope”, Biya only carried out a campaign rally in the northern city of Maroua, based on narrowly controlled media and social media positions, while his team promises more economic growth.

“We want to see this change, we want to see what is really going on. We do not want to continue to hear words anymore,” said Herves Mitterand, a Douala engineer.