The global trend toward older leaders is largely driven by autocracies. The average age of dictators is now 64 – 12 years older than in 1975. This is not surprising, given that autocrats rarely leave power voluntarily.

Thus, 91-year-old #Cameroonian President #Paul_Biya has ruled the country for 40 years. The 72-year-old #Russian dictator has been in power for a quarter of a century.

The leaders of the largest countries, #India and #China, have also crossed the 70-year mark.