Cameroon will head to the polls on October 12 for its presidential election, according to a decree signed Friday by President Paul Biya, who has ruled the Central African country since 1982.
The vote will decide who leads the cocoa- and oil-producing nation of nearly 30 million people for the next seven years. Under the country’s electoral code, presidential hopefuls must submit their candidacy within 10 days of the electoral college being convened.
At 92 years old, Biya is the world’s oldest sitting head of state and one of the longest-serving. Despite his age and declining public appearances, he has not yet confirmed whether he will seek another term. A 2008 constitutional amendment removed presidential term limits, allowing him to run indefinitely.
In the 2018 election, Biya secured more than 70% of the vote, although the process was marred by allegations of electoral fraud, low turnout, and ongoing violence from separatist and jihadist groups.
Concerns about Biya’s health have grown in recent years due to his frequent absences abroad and limited public engagements. In 2023, widespread rumours of his death forced the government to issue a denial.
His main challenger is expected to be Maurice Kamto, a prominent opposition figure who finished second in 2018. Kamto has faced repeated government crackdowns, including police blockades and restrictions on his movement. Most recently, police prevented him from holding a rally in Douala upon his return from a European tour.
This election could mark a significant moment in Cameroon’s history. Since gaining independence, the country has had only two presidents—one from the Christian south and one from the Muslim north. With a complex mix of ethnic, religious, and regional identities, the vote may offer a rare opportunity for political transformation in a deeply divided nation.
