Cameroon went to the polls Sunday in a presidential election that could extend the tenure of Africa’s oldest leader, Paul Biya, by another seven years.

At 92, Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982, following the resignation of the country’s first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo. If re-elected, he would serve until age 99, marking his eighth term in office. Despite his long rule, analysts say cracks may be appearing in his political dominance.

Biya’s advanced age and frequent stays in Europe, leaving day-to-day governance to party officials and family members, have fueled speculation about his health and effectiveness. Dr. Benjamin Akih, an activist and professor at Syracuse University, said the opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary could have an advantage. “This election is different. Biya was the weakest candidate the CPDM could field due to his age and the country’s current challenges after 43 years in power,” Akih noted.

Biya emphasized the importance of his continued leadership, stating, “In such a situation, I cannot shirk my mission.”

The president faced nine opposition candidates, including Issa Tchiroma Bakary, formerly the minister of employment, and Bello Bouba Maigari, a former tourism minister. Biya cast his ballot at a primary school in Yaounde but declined to comment on the election outcome. Official results are expected by October 26.

Opposition figures have raised concerns about voter fraud and the electoral process. Joshua Osih, a member of parliament and Social Democratic Front candidate, said the voting system is cumbersome and poses challenges to free and fair elections.

Voters expressed frustration with the state of the country. Cheukam Ginette, a 34-year-old first-time voter, cited high living costs, poor infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare as reasons she supported the opposition, though she admitted skepticism about the integrity of the electoral process.

Biya campaigned in the northern city of Maroua, promising development for one of Cameroon’s poorest regions. The north, predominantly Muslim, accounts for nearly 20% of eligible voters and is a stronghold for opposition candidates.

Cameroon faces multiple security crises, including a secessionist conflict in the west between English-speaking separatists and government forces, and Boko Haram attacks spilling over from Nigeria in the north. Additionally, about 43% of the population lives in poverty.

The country has over 29 million residents, with approximately 8 million eligible voters, including over 34,000 abroad, casting ballots at more than 31,000 polling stations.