Cameroon began counting votes after a presidential election on Sunday (October 12) in which incumbent Paul Biya, the world’s oldest ruler at 92, is widely expected to extend his 43-year grip on power despite an energized opposition pushing for change.

Biya, in power for 43 years, faced off against 11 challengers, including former government spokesman Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 79, who has generated unexpected momentum for a campaign calling for an end to the leader’s decades-long tenure.

Bakary – a close ally of Biya for 20 years, who resigned from the government in June to join the opposition – is considered the top contender to unseat the incumbent after another leading opponent, Maurice Kamto, was barred from the race.

But analysts predict Biya’s re-election, given his firm grip on state machinery and a divided opposition.