JOHANNESBURG - Paul Biya (92), the world's oldest president, wants to extend his 43-year-long rule over Cameroon.
If he wins, it will be his eighth consecutive term of office, ending in 2032 when he's 99.
Ahead of the 2020 US presidential election, Donald Trump (73) and his primary opponent, Joseph Biden (76), many questioned the candidates' suitability for office due to their current ages.
Positive examples of experienced leadership exist in the cases of people like Warren Buffett, Pope Francis, and Nelson Mandela, who all assumed office at age 75.
According to Pew Research Center: "The median age of current national leaders is 62, as of May 1, 2024. The largest share of global leaders today (34 percent) are in their 60s.
"Roughly a quarter (22 percent) are in their 50s; 19 percent are in their 70s; and 16 percent are in their 40s. Biden is among the 5 percent of leaders who are in their 80s."
Biya’s bid, then, raises a timeless question: When does experience turn into endurance, and how old is too old to lead?