Cameroonians went to the polls on Sunday in an election that could see Africa’s oldest leader, President Paul Biya, extend his more than four-decade-long rule by another seven years.

Analysts widely expect Biya, now 92, to win again — a result that would keep him in power until the age of 99.

He first took office in 1982 after the resignation of Cameroon’s founding president Ahmadou Ahidjo and has since won seven consecutive elections. The Central African nation has had only two leaders since gaining independence in 1960.

Biya, whose health is often the subject of speculation, spends much of his time in Europe, leaving key government affairs to senior party officials and family members.

In the face of an increasingly difficult international environment, our challenges are growing. I cannot abandon my mission,” Biya said while announcing his candidacy earlier this year.

He faces nine opposition candidates, including former ministers Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, both of whom have strong followings in Cameroon’s predominantly Muslim north — home to nearly 20% of the electorate.

The vote comes amid deep security challenges. In the country’s west, English-speaking separatists continue a violent struggle against the French-speaking central government, while in the north, Boko Haram militants spill over from Nigeria, attacking border communities.

According to UN estimates, around 43% of Cameroonians live in poverty based on income, education and health indicators.

More than 8 million people, including some 34,000 overseas voters, are eligible to cast their ballots at over 31,000 polling stations across the nation of 29 million. Polls close at 6 p.m., and official results are expected by October 26.