Citizens across Cameroon cast their ballots on Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to extend the four-decade rule of incumbent President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, who is seeking an unprecedented eighth term in office.
Biya, 92, has governed the Central African nation since 1982. Despite an energized opposition pushing for political change, analysts predict the veteran leader will secure another victory, citing his formidable control over state machinery and the fractured nature of the opposition field, which includes nine candidates.
One of his most prominent challengers is former government spokesperson and ex-Minister of Employment, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 76, who has attracted large crowds by demanding an end to Biya’s long tenure.
The widespread sentiment of frustration among the populace was captured by one voter, Djbril, who plans to vote for Tchiroma. Speaking to reporters, Djbril stated: “For 43 years, Cameroonians have been suffering. There are no jobs. We want change because the current government is dictatorial.” Biya’s administration has consistently denied such claims, insisting Cameroon is a democratic country with regular, free elections.
Another voter, Herves Mitterand, a mechanic in the commercial capital Douala, expressed deep-seated skepticism about the government’s promises of progress. “Nothing has changed,” Mitterand said. “We want to see that change, we want to see it actually happen. We don’t want to just keep hearing words any more.”
Biya, who abolished presidential term limits in 2008, held only one major campaign rally in Maroua and has relied heavily on state-controlled media and social media to push his campaign slogan, “Greatness and Hope.”
After casting his ballot in the upscale Bastos neighborhood of the capital, Yaoundé, President Biya briefly addressed journalists, saying, “Nothing is given. Let’s wait and see. Let’s wait for the name of the winner.”
Political analysts remain cautious about the prospect of an upset. Francois Conradie, lead political economist at Oxford Economics, noted the incumbent’s entrenched position. “A surprise is still possible, but a divided opposition and the backing of a formidable electoral machine will, we predict, give the 92-year-old his eighth term,” Conradie said. “Biya has remained in power for nearly 43 years by deftly dividing his adversaries and, although we think he isn’t very aware of what is going on, it seems that the machine he built will divide to rule one last time,” he added.
Just over eight million Cameroonians registered to vote in the single-round election, where the candidate with a simple majority wins. Official results are expected to be announced within 15 days of the vote.
