Cameroonians headed to the polls on Sunday in a pivotal election that could extend the 43-year rule of Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state. The 92-year-old president, who has held power since 1982, faced 11 challengers, including former employment minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 79, who unexpectedly energized voters in the central African nation. With half of the population under 20, many of the eight million eligible voters have known no other leader in their lifetime. Polling stations in the capital Yaoundé saw steady crowds throughout the day, with officials reporting a calm and orderly process. Biya, who has won every election in the past two decades with over 70% of the vote, remained cautious, telling reporters after casting his ballot, ‘Nothing is certain. Let’s wait until we know the name of the elected official.’ Political analyst Stephane Akoa noted that while the ruling system has significant resources to influence outcomes, the campaign had been unusually vibrant, raising the possibility of surprises. Polling stations closed at 1700 GMT, with Jean-Alain Andzongo of the national electoral authority confirming the process was peaceful.