Menzies oversaw the post-war expansion and became the country's longest-serving leader.

The statement captured the grim mood on what should have been a day of triumph for Asia's longest-serving leader.

But now, one of the world's longest-serving leaders may be on his way out.

He is the oldest and longest-serving leader in Africa.

He is, to date, the party's longest-serving leader.

Having spent over 22 years in office, Mahathir was the world's longest-serving elected leader when he retired.

He was, at the time of his death, one of the longest-serving leaders in international politics.

At the age of 78, he is Eastern Europe's longest-serving leader.

At the time of his death in 2005, Eyadéma was the longest-serving leader in modern African history, after having been president for 38 years.

To date, he is the longest-serving democratically-elected leader and the only President of the Republic elected to a second term.