Cameroon's elderly president Paul Biya was absent from the country on Sunday as campaigning kicked into high gear for October 12 polls to decide who will fill his position. The 92-year-old -- the world's oldest head of state, in power since 1982 -- is seeking an eighth term in office. But he left Cameroon a week ago on a "private trip" to Europe, according to his office. Cabral Libii, candidate of the opposition Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN), held his under light rain in the coastal city of Douala. A total of 12 candidates were cleared to vie for the presidency, including Biya.