France, Oct. 12 -- Polls opened in Cameroon on Sunday in a presidential election that sees incumbent Paul Biya, 92, seek an eighth consecutive term after 43 years in power. There are 11 other candidates on the ballot, but some analysts say divisions among the opposition are clearing the path for Biya's reelection.

The candidates were in full campaigning mode until Friday, having had just two weeks to set out their stalls before the 12 October presidential election.

The presidential party, the RDPC, campaigned for Biya without his physical presence until Tuesday, when he attended a meeting in Maroua, the capital of the Far North Region of Cameroon. Biya had not made a public appearance at a party event until then, andhadn't addressedCame...