Cameroon is holding presidential elections today, in which Africa's oldest leader, Paul Biya, could extend his rule for another seven years.
Analysts predict his victory. Biya, who is 92 years old, would be 99 when his new term ends. He came to power in 1982, after the resignation of Cameroon's first president, Ahmadou Ajijja, and has ruled the country continuously since then.
He has been declared the winner of seven consecutive elections. Since independence in 1960, Cameroon has had only two presidents.
His health has long been a source of speculation, as he spends most of his time in Europe, leaving the day-to-day running of the country to key party officials and family members.
"In the face of an increasingly difficult international environment, the challenges before us are becoming greater. In such a situation, I cannot evade my mission," said Bija, announcing his re-election bid.
Nine opposition candidates are running against him, including former allies and collaborators.
In Cameroon, elections are held in a single round - the winner is the one who wins the most votes.
Cameroon is facing a serious security crisis.
In the west of the country, a conflict is ongoing between mainly Anglophone separatists, who say they are marginalized by the French-speaking majority population, and government forces. In the north, violence spills over from neighboring Nigeria, where Boko Haram operates, and armed groups regularly attack border towns.
According to United Nations estimates, at least 43 percent of the population lives in poverty, measured by basic indicators such as income, education, and health.
About eight million voters, including more than 34.000 in the diaspora, are eligible to vote at more than 31.000 polling stations in this Central African country of more than 29 million people, as the majority of the population is young.
Final results are expected no later than October 26th.
Bonus video:
