Longest-Serving Leaders in the World Written by Amy McKenna Amy McKenna is a senior editor, primarily focused on geography and history matters pertaining to sub-Saharan Africa. She joined Encyclopaedia Britannica in 2004. She was previously employed by Standard... Amy McKenna Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Apr. 17, 2026 •History Though a single presidential term is typically set anywhere from four to seven years, many presidents stay in power beyond that. Some do so by winning additional terms in free and fair elections. Others cling to power for lengthy periods of time by employing more questionable methods, such as manipulating constitutional and legal institutions; amending a constitution to remain in power is a common approach. Other tactics include creating repressive political climates in which opposition...

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