Cameroon’s 92-Year-Old President Paul Biya Casts Vote, Seeks Eighth Term

President Paul Biya, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, has officially cast his vote in Cameroon’s national election as he seeks an unprecedented eighth term in office. The 92-year-old leader, who has ruled the Central African nation for over four decades, was seen arriving at his polling station in Yaoundé under tight security, accompanied by his wife, Chantal Biya.

President Biya first assumed leadership in 1982 after serving seven years as Prime Minister. His current bid for re-election marks more than 50 years at the highest levels of Cameroonian politics. If successful, Biya would extend his tenure until the age of 100, further solidifying his position as one of the world’s longest-ruling heads of state.

Despite his advanced age, President Biya continues to project confidence and stability, telling reporters after voting that his focus remains on “peace, unity, and progress for Cameroon.” However, his long stay in power has drawn criticism from opposition groups and international observers, who argue that his government has stifled dissent, limited press freedom, and failed to resolve long-standing internal conflicts, particularly in the country’s Anglophone regions.

The election, closely watched by the African Union and other international bodies, comes amid rising concerns about the country’s economic challenges and security situation. Opposition candidates have called for transparency in vote counting and warned against potential irregularities.

As Cameroonians await results, many see this election as a defining moment — one that could determine whether the nation remains under the leadership of the only president many citizens have ever known or opens a new chapter in its political history.

President Biya’s legacy remains deeply divided between those who view him as a symbol of continuity and stability, and others who see his prolonged rule as a barrier to democratic renewal.