(CNN) -- Senegal's octogenarian incumbent president is seeking a third term Sunday, a bid that has sparked deadly protests and threatened the nation's reputation as one of the most stable democracies in Africa. The incumbent Abdoulaye Wade, 85, came to power in 2000 after multiple unsuccessful runs. One of the continent's oldest leaders, the French-trained lawyer also has a degree in economics. He is seeking a third term against a crowded field of 13 others, including two women. He was initially credited with boosting the nation's infrastructure, but his critics have accused him of autocracy and said he is grooming his son to take over after him.
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Protests as Senegal's octogenarian incumbent president seeks third term
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Abdoulaye Wade, 85, came to power in 2000 after multiple unsuccessful runs
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Musician Youssou N'Dour is one of forces behind demonstrations
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Past elections have included smooth transition of power, a rarity in Africa
The opposition has said it will protest if Wade wins, but analysts say a lack of cohesion among foes and a system that favors the incumbent make it harder to unseat @placeholder, who is nicknamed the "hare" for his shrewd politics.