TEODORO OBIANG, THE PRESIDENT OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA, IS SET TO RUN FOR A SIXTH TERM

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, the world's longest-serving leader, will run for a sixth term in the November elections.

Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, also known as Teodorin, his son and vice president, made the announcement in a statement on Friday, September 22.

The 80-year-old president's regime began with a coup in 1979 and has now lasted 43 years.

"Because of his charisma, his leadership, and his political experience", the ruling party unanimously chose Obiang as its candidate for the November 20 poll, Obiang Mangue explained.

The Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) controls 49 of the 100 seats in the outgoing lower house of parliament, as well as all 70 seats in the senate.

However, it was unclear who would be named as the party's presidential candidate. So far, no other candidate has been declared.