Cameroonians headed to the polls on Sunday in a presidential election where 92-year-old incumbent Paul Biya—the world’s oldest sitting head of state—is widely expected to extend his 43-year rule, even as opposition voices call for an end to his decades-long dominance.
Among Biya’s challengers is former government spokesperson Issa Tchiroma, 76, who has drawn large crowds demanding political renewal and has secured endorsements from several opposition parties and civic groups. Despite this momentum, analysts say Biya remains the strong favourite to win, thanks to his tight control of state institutions and a divided opposition field of nine candidates.
After casting his vote in Yaoundé’s upscale Bastos neighbourhood near the presidential palace, Biya told reporters, “Nothing is given. Let’s wait and see. Let’s wait for the name of the winner.” Security was heavy around the polling stations as voters trickled in throughout the day.
“I hope it will go well, particularly for my champion,” said Patrick Mbarga Mboa, 45, one voter who declined to name his choice. “I hope peace and tranquillity will continue in the country after the election.”
Critics argue Biya’s extended rule has coincided with decades of economic stagnation and persistent tensions in the oil- and cocoa-producing nation of 30 million people. “This election comes at a time when the whole nation aspires for change,” Tchiroma said after voting in his hometown of Garoua. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and ensure that official results match the votes cast at polling stations.
“For 43 years, Cameroonians have been suffering. There are no jobs,” said Hassane Djbril, a driver from Yaoundé’s Briqueterie neighbourhood, who said he would vote for Tchiroma.
Voting began at 07:00 GMT and closed at 17:00 GMT, with more than 8 million registered voters expected to participate. Results are due within 15 days.
Biya, who scrapped term limits in 2008, has long relied on a strategy of divide-and-rule and the backing of a powerful state apparatus. Cameroon’s single-round voting system awards victory to the candidate with the most votes, regardless of whether they secure a majority.
“A surprise is still possible,” said François Conradie, lead political economist at Oxford Economics. “But a fragmented opposition and a formidable electoral machine will, we predict, give the 92-year-old his eighth term. Although we think he isn’t very aware of what is going on, the machine he built will likely divide to rule one last time.”
Running under the campaign slogan “Greatness and Hope,” Biya has held only one rally, in the northern city of Maroua, relying instead on state-controlled media and carefully curated social media posts. His campaign has promised continued economic growth and stability.
“We want to see that change, we want to see it actually happen,” said Herves Mitterand, a mechanic in Douala. “We don’t want to just keep hearing words anymore.”
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Source:Africa Publicity
