Cameroon election might prolong the rule of world's oldest president

[ad_1] YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Cameroon voted in an election Sunday that would see Africa’s oldest chief prolong his rule by one other seven years.

Analysts have predicted a victory for President Paul Biya . Now 92, he can be 99 by the point his time period finishes. He first got here to energy in 1982 following the resignation of Cameroon’s first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo, and has dominated the nation since then. Biya was declared the winner of seven subsequent elections. Cameroon has seen simply two leaders since independence in 1960.

His health has routinely been a subject of hypothesis as he spends most of his time in Europe, leaving day-to-day governing to key social gathering officers and members of the family.

“Within the face of more and more troublesome worldwide setting, the challenges dealing with us are an increasing number of urgent,” Biya mentioned in asserting one other run. “In such a state of affairs, I can not shirk my mission.”

Biya faces 9 opposition candidates, together with some former allies and appointees . They embrace Bello Bouba Maigari, who was minister for tourism, and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who till just lately served because the minister of employment.

There's a single spherical of voting in Cameroon and whoever will get essentially the most votes is the winner.

Cheukam Ginette, a 34-year-old environmentalist and first-time voter, mentioned she received’t select Biya.

“Issues have to alter. Initially, life is dear, getting medical care shouldn't be straightforward,” she mentioned outdoors of a polling station within the capital of Yaounde. “There are not any roads, we've got potholes all over the place. Every part is ruined. That’s why I voted for the opposition. I shouldn't have confidence within the electoral course of as a result of we all know our nation however I’m hopeful.”

At at campaign rally final week within the northern metropolis of Maroua, Biya promised change for one in all Cameroon’s poorest areas. The predominantly Muslim north accounts for practically 20% of the eligible voters, and Maigari and Bakary command sturdy followings there.

Cameroon faces escalating safety crises. Within the western area, a secessionist struggle is being fought between primarily English-speaking separatists who declare they're marginalized by the French-speaking majority, and authorities forces. Within the north, the Boko Haram insurgency spills over from neighboring Nigeria, with armed teams routinely attacking border cities.

A minimum of 43% of the inhabitants dwell in poverty as measured by core residing requirements similar to earnings, training and well being, based on U.N. estimates.

Round 8 million voters, together with over 34,000 abroad, are eligible to vote at greater than 31,000 polling stations within the Central African nation. Cameroon has a inhabitants of over 29 million individuals, a majority overwhelmingly younger.

Polls are anticipated to shut at 6 p.m. and the outcomes are anticipated on the newest by Oct. 26.

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McMakin reported from Dakar, Senegal.

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