By Desmond Nleya
YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Voters in Cameroon headed to the polls on Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to hand 92-year-old President Paul Biya another seven-year term, extending his already 42-year-long rule. If re-elected, Biya would be 99 by the end of the term, continuing his leadership in a nation facing deep security and economic challenges.
The veteran leader cast his ballot under tight security at the Government Bilingual Primary School Bastos in Yaoundé. Biya, who first assumed power in 1982 after the resignation of Cameroon’s inaugural president, has won every election since, making him Africa’s longest-serving head of state. Since independence from France in 1960, Cameroon has had only two presidents.
Biya’s prolonged absences in Europe and concerns over his health have fueled speculation about who truly governs the country day to day, with many responsibilities reportedly delegated to senior officials and family members.
Opposition Remains Fragmented
Biya faces nine challengers, including several former allies such as ex-tourism minister Bello Bouba Maigari and former employment minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary. However, Cameroon’s single-round voting system—which awards the presidency to whoever receives the most votes without a runoff—strongly favors the incumbent. The fragmented opposition is seen as one of Biya’s key advantages in securing yet another term.
Elections Amid Turmoil
The vote takes place against a backdrop of mounting national crises. In the western regions, a violent separatist conflict continues between English-speaking groups seeking independence and government forces dominated by the French-speaking majority. In the far north, communities remain under threat from Boko Haram attacks spilling over from Nigeria.
These security challenges are compounded by widespread poverty. According to the United Nations, about 43% of Cameroonians live below the poverty line, lacking adequate income, education, and health services.
Generational Divide
Cameroon’s population of over 29 million is predominantly young, highlighting a striking generational gap between the electorate and its aging leader. More than 8 million registered voters—including over 34,000 in the diaspora—cast ballots at over 31,000 polling stations nationwide. Polls closed at 6 p.m., and official results are expected by October 26.
For many observers, the election outcome appears predetermined, signaling a continuation of the Biya era amid international scrutiny, domestic instability, and the enduring resilience of one of Africa’s most entrenched political systems.
