Esther Imonmion
Voters in Cameroon went to the polls on Sunday, October 13, in a presidential election widely expected to see 92-year-old Paul Biya, Africa’s longest-serving leader, extend his 42-year rule for another seven years.
If re-elected, Biya would be 99 by the end of his new term, continuing his reign in a nation grappling with deep security and economic challenges.
Political observers anticipate another victory for Biya, who cast his ballot amid heavy security at a primary school in Yaoundé, the capital.
Biya first assumed office in 1982 following the resignation of Cameroon’s first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo. Since then, he has been declared the winner in seven consecutive elections. The Central African country has had only two leaders since gaining independence from France in 1960.
The president’s health and prolonged stays abroad have long fueled speculation about his fitness to rule, with day-to-day governance often handled by senior officials and family.
Biya faces nine challengers in the race, though the single-round voting system—where the highest vote-getter wins—strongly favors the incumbent.
Among his opponents are several former allies, including Bello Bouba Maigari, a former tourism minister, and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who recently served as employment minister. The divided opposition is seen as a key factor in Biya’s likely victory.
The election takes place amid worsening national crises. In the western regions, an armed conflict continues between English-speaking separatists and government forces, while in the far north, Boko Haram attacks spill over from neighboring Nigeria.
These security threats compound widespread poverty and economic hardship. The United Nations estimates that about 43% of Cameroonians live in poverty, lacking adequate income, education, and healthcare.
With a population exceeding 29 million—mostly young—the election underscores a stark contrast between the aging president and his youthful nation.
About 8 million registered voters, including more than 34,000 in the diaspora, were eligible to cast their ballots across over 31,000 polling stations.
Polls closed at 6 p.m., and official results are expected by October 26. For many Cameroonians, however, the outcome appears all but decided—signaling the likely continuation of the Biya era amid ongoing political tension and uncertainty.