Equatorial Guinea leader poised to extend 43 years in power

Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Africa’s longest-serving ruler, was poised Sunday to extend his 43 years in power in the oil-rich country after only two opposition candidates decided to run against him.
Fourteen of the country’s opposition parties have joined an alliance with Obiang’s authoritarian regime, which critics have long accused of intimidation, torture and corruption. Those critics also point to questionable official results from past elections, which have never shown Obiang getting less than 90% of the vote.
In the streets of the capital, Malabo, the 80-year-old Obiang’s posters have flooded public spaces in recent weeks with the message: “Vote for the right way, vote for continuity.” Only a handful of opposition posters could be seen.
At a final campaign event in Mongomo last week, the president shouted to the crowds: “Who’s your papa?” He urged voters to keep him in power, warning of the risks of political upheaval.