Cameroon schedules its October 12 presidential election

President Paul Biya of Cameroon signed a decree on Friday announcing that the country will hold a presidential election on October 12.

The vote will determine the next seven-year leader of the country of around 30 million people that produces oil and cocoa.

According to the electoral code, candidates for president must submit their applications within ten days of the electoral college meeting.

Biya took office in 1982, more than 40 years ago, and is currently the oldest head of state in the world, at 92. He has not stated if he intends to run for reelection.

According to official results, he received 71.28% of the vote in 2018, however there were numerous anomalies, as noted by the opposition and a number of independent observers.

In 2008, constitutional amendments eliminated term limitations for the president, enabling him to serve indefinitely.