Voting began on Sunday across Cameroon as President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state at 92, seeks to extend his 43-year rule in an election where he faces 11 challengers but remains the overwhelming favourite to win.
Polls opened at 8 a.m. and are scheduled to close at 6 p.m. local time, with more than eight million registered voters expected to participate. For most Cameroonians, especially the half of the population under 20, Biya is the only leader they have ever known.
In power since 1982, Biya has consistently won every election over the last two decades by margins exceeding 70 percent. Despite widespread scepticism about the fairness of the process, observers say this year’s campaign has been more energetic than usual.
“We shouldn’t be naive. We know the ruling system has ample means to influence the results,” said political scientist Stéphane Akoa. “But this campaign has been livelier, and that could lead to some surprises.”
Biya made his first public appearance since May during a rally in Maroua, in the Far North region — a key electoral battleground with 1.2 million eligible voters. Once a Biya stronghold, the area is now home to several of his former allies who are contesting the election.
Among his challengers is 79-year-old Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former employment minister who resigned from Biya’s government in June after two decades. Bakary has emerged as the leading opposition figure following the disqualification of prominent opposition leader Maurice Kamto by the Constitutional Council — a decision criticised by Human Rights Watch and other groups as politically motivated.
Bakary drew massive crowds in Maroua, where supporters hailed him as “Tchiroma the Saviour.” His energetic campaign has contrasted sharply with Biya’s low-profile approach, which attracted a modest turnout at his own rally.
Cameroon’s elections are taking place amid deep social and economic challenges. Despite being Central Africa’s most diversified economy, about 40 percent of Cameroonians live below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. Youth unemployment in major cities stands at 35 percent, fuelling frustration over the cost of living, poor infrastructure, and limited access to clean water, healthcare, and education.
“Many young people intend to vote,” said Akoa. “There is a positive sign of change, but perhaps not strong enough to trigger mass protests like those seen in Madagascar or Tunisia.”
The government has accredited 55,000 local and international observers, including representatives from the African Union, to monitor the vote. However, authorities have warned online platforms and independent groups against publishing unofficial results, accusing them of attempting to manipulate public opinion.
The election also takes place against the backdrop of a separatist conflict that has raged in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions since 2016, where turnout was notably low in the 2018 election.
The Constitutional Council has until October 26 to announce the final results
