Cameroon is at a historic juncture as it approaches contentious presidential elections. Now, incumbent Paul Biya is as committed as ever to that end goal, despite the fact that he’s been in power since 1982. At 92 years old, Biya is now the oldest president in the world and Africa’s longest-serving leader. We should know the election results by October 26. Biya’s main challengers run the gambit from original allies and appointees to current and former opposition candidates.
President Biya has been ruling Cameroon for over 43 years. He came to power in 1982 following the resignation of the country’s first leader, Ahmadou Ahidjo. If he wins this election, he will be 99 years old when his term ends. This begs all sorts of questions about his health and capacity to govern competently. His age predisposes him to questions about his fitness for office. It’s not surprising that so many citizens are worried about the executive leadership in a country that is accumulating enormous challenges.
In recent campaign appearances, Biya pledged to bring change—the kind most needed to the country’s poorest, most marginalized region. During a rally in Maroua, he acknowledged the pressing issues faced by citizens, stating, “In the face of increasingly difficult international environment, the challenges facing us are more and more pressing.” His campaign to fight rising costs of living and improve access to healthcare—kitchen-table issues that hit home with voters.
Voter sentiment reflects a desire for change. One voter voiced frustration with the current situation: “Things have to change. First of all, life is expensive, getting medical care is not easy.” This feeling points to the increasing political bitterness from the electorate as they experience the trials of an economy suffering under Biya’s 36-year rule.
Opposition figures have been equally vigorous in expressing their critiques of Biya’s leadership. Joshua Osih, a prominent opponent, commented on the election dynamics, saying, “I think this election is different. Mr. Biya was the weakest candidate the CPDM could put forward on account of his age and the poor state of the country after his 43 years in power.” Osih pointed out logistical challenges within the electoral process, suggesting that “there is still a lot of room for progress to make things smoother.”
Perhaps most importantly, Biya spends the majority of his time in Europe, leaving routine governance to important party members and family members. Such an arrangement prompts concerns regarding his personal engagement on national issues and possible limitations of his auspicious leadership style. Human rights advocates and critics say this distance has played a role in the country’s recent socio-economic woes.
The 77-year-old Biya has easily won seven further elections since first coming to power, usually with widespread claims of vote rigging. His political longevity is a testament in equal parts to the art of strategic maneuvering and the institutional control of this peculiar political genius over the electoral landscape.
As the elections draw near, Cameroonians prepare to cast their votes at polling stations like the primary school in Yaoundé where Biya himself voted. The election’s result may determine not only Biya’s long-touted political legacy, but potentially what direction Cameroon will take for decades to come.
