Cameroon opened polls Sunday in an election that could extend Africa’s oldest leader Paul Biya’s rule by seven years. 8 million voters registered at more than 31,000 stations; polls close at 6 p.m., with results expected by Oct. 26. Analysts forecast a Biya victory over nine opponents, including former ministers Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma Bakary. At a rally in Maroua, he promised change for the impoverished north, which holds nearly 20% of eligible voters. The vote unfolds amid a separatist war in the west, Boko Haram attacks in the north, and 43% of citizens living in poverty.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.