Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state at 92, is seeking an unprecedented eighth term in office. Promising the nation “the best is still to come,” Biya, who has been in power since 1982, faces a country grappling with economic challenges, security issues, and a significant youth population eager for change.
Despite widespread calls for his retirement, Biya has largely conducted his campaign remotely, appearing at only one rally and spending significant time abroad. A recent controversy erupted over an AI-generated campaign video, which sparked backlash while his opponents actively engaged with voters on the ground. In response, Biya made a public appearance in Maroua, directly addressing supporters, particularly women and young people, and pledging to prioritize their concerns.
However, political analysts like Immanuel Wanah suggest Biya’s enduring focus has been on maintaining power, often at the expense of the nation’s citizens. This perspective is echoed by Dr. Tilarius Atia, who attributes Biya’s survivalist approach to an attempted coup in 1984.
With over 60% of Cameroon’s 30 million citizens under the age of 25, the youth vote is a critical factor. Young activist Marie Flore Mboussi expresses a desire for “new blood,” believing that prolonged leadership can lead to stagnation. The upcoming election takes place against a backdrop of rising inflation, security challenges, inadequate social services, and high unemployment, particularly among the youth. The International Organization for Migration reports that nearly 40% of Cameroonians aged 15-35 are unemployed, with many graduates struggling to find formal employment, leading to a desire to emigrate.
The electoral process itself has been marred by controversy, most notably the disqualification of prominent opposition leader Maurice Kamto. Barred from running due to a party dispute, Kamto’s exclusion has been widely criticized as an attempt to stifle competition, raising questions about the fairness and legitimacy of the election.
While several candidates are vying for the presidency, including former Biya allies, the opposition’s failure to unite behind a single candidate is seen by analysts as a significant disadvantage. Despite a strong showing by some contenders like Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who has drawn large crowds with promises of reform, Biya is still widely expected to win, needing only a slim majority.
Adding to the election’s complexity are the ongoing separatist conflicts in Cameroon’s English-speaking North-West and South-West regions. Election boycotts and lockdowns imposed by separatists pose a threat to voter participation and safety, with residents fearing retribution for casting ballots. The conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands, highlights deep-seated tensions between the minority Anglophone community and the Francophone-dominated government.
The Constitutional Council has 15 days to announce the official results after the vote, with the interior minister issuing a stern warning against any premature declarations of victory.
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
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