Equatorial Guinea’s Prez Obiang to seek re-election

Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled the country for 43 years, has confirmed he will seek re-election in November’s presidential polls.

His son and Vice President, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, made the announcement via Twitter on Friday saying it was “Because of his charisma, his leadership and his political experience.”

Obiang’s Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea holds 99 of the 100 seats in the outgoing lower house of parliament and all 70 of the senate seats.

Over the years the country has become increasingly dependent on oil and gas, which makes up around 75 percent of revenue, which is mostly in the hands of a small number of people.

There had been speculation that Obiang’s son may be selected as the party’s candidate but Friday’s announcement confirmed the president would be seeking to extend his unrivalled rule.

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is an Equatoguinean politician and former military officer who has served as the second President of Equatorial Guinea since August 1979. He is the longest-serving president of any country ever and the second-longest consecutively-serving current non-royal national leader in the world.