Cameroon's President Paul Biya to Contest 2025 Presidential Election at 93, Delaying Parliamentary Elections to 2026

As Cameroon's President Paul Biya approaches his 93rd birthday, he has confirmed he will contest the next presidential election, despite opposition protests and potential challenges in the electoral process. Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), has dominated the country's politics for decades, and the president's age and potential limitations may yet affect his chances of re-election.

Key Takeaways:

• Cameroon's parliament approved President Biya's request to postpone the country's parliamentary and municipal elections until 2026, citing a crowded electoral calendar and the need for breathing space.
• The decision allows Biya to contest the 2025 presidential election despite being 93 years old, while opposition politicians may face challenges in running due to the delay.
• Cameroon's electoral code requires a political party to have representation in the National Assembly, Senate, Regional Council, or Municipal Council to nominate a presidential candidate.
• Prof Maurice Kamto, Biya's main challenger in 2018, does not meet this requirement, while another challenger, Cabral Libii, is involved in a court case over his party's leadership.
• The opposition criticism highlights Biya's 42-year tenure in power, with concerns that delaying the elections is an undemocratic move to maintain his grip on power.
• The decision has sparked controversy, with opponents accusing the regime of desperation and using the electoral code to weaken any challenge to Biya's re-election.

Statistics:

• Cameroon's electoral code permits the extension of the mandate of lawmakers for another 12 months when the current mandate expires on March 10, 2025.
• Biya has won at least 70% of the vote in each election since his presidency began in 1982, with his last election in 2018 securing 71.28% of the vote.
• The decision to postpone the parliamentary elections means that candidates will be based on current formations in the Legislative Assembly, potentially limiting opposition opportunities.

Sources:

• Ghana Web - 11 Jul 2024: "Biya Contest to Poll 2025"
• Cameroon's electoral code (Article 121, Article 170(2))
• Cameroon's Constitution (Article 15(4))