The access of ordinary citizens to power has  been thwarted by leaders staying in power for a long time.  Various ways have been used, including changing the constitution to permit more terms, interfering with elections, and other types of political control.

List of current longest ruling non-royal national leaders  Wikipedia December 11, 2017

Caption: Paul Biya has been President of Cameroon for 42 years (since 1975) and is the longest ruling national leader. Credit: Executive Office of the President of the United States