Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, at 92 years old, is making a bid for his eighth consecutive term in office. Dubbed the world’s oldest head of state, Biya has promised the nation “the best is still to come.” However, his campaign has been met with criticism, particularly for his limited public appearances and reliance on an AI-generated video, while his opponents actively engage with voters on the ground.
Despite calls for him to step down, Biya, who has been in power since 1982, recently addressed supporters in Maroua, focusing his message on women and young people. He pledged to prioritize their needs if re-elected. Political analysts note that Biya’s primary focus has consistently been maintaining power, often at the expense of addressing the country’s social and economic challenges.
For a significant portion of Cameroon’s population, Biya represents the only president they have ever known, with over 60% of citizens under the age of 25. This demographic is seeking “new blood” in leadership, with young activist Marie Flore Mboussi expressing frustration that “longevity in power inevitably leads to a kind of laziness.” The election takes place against a backdrop of widespread concerns including inflation, security issues, poor social services, corruption, and high unemployment, particularly among the youth.
The youth unemployment rate is stark, with nearly 40% of Cameroonians aged 15-35 unemployed, and 23% of young graduates struggling to find formal employment. Many young people are considering emigration, feeling that opportunities within the country are limited due to the entrenched political landscape. However, some, like civil society activist Aziseh Mbi, believe that age should not be the sole criterion for leadership, pointing to perceived positive initiatives by Biya’s administration.
The electoral process has not been without controversy, notably the exclusion of prominent opposition leader Maurice Kamto from the presidential race. Kamto, who came second in the 2018 election, was barred from running after a faction within his party presented an alternative candidate. This exclusion has been widely seen as an attempt to prevent a strong challenge to Biya, raising questions about the fairness and legitimacy of the election.
While several opposition candidates are competing, including Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, the failure of the opposition to unite behind a single candidate is seen by analysts as a potential weakness. Despite a strong showing at rallies, analysts suggest Biya is likely to secure victory, needing only a slim majority.
Compounding the political landscape, a separatist conflict in the English-speaking North-West and South-West regions has led to an election boycott lockdown. Separatists threaten anyone who participates in the vote, creating a climate of fear and potentially undermining the election’s legitimacy. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, with critics arguing that Biya’s handling of the situation is inadequate.
More from the BBC on Cameroon’s election:
- Is the world’s oldest leader set for an eighth term?
- Social media revamp by 92-year-old president
- The African president who keeps defying death rumours
- Why African leaders maintain secrecy around their health