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Biya, Paul

Cameroon's President Paul Biya Announces Bid for Seventh Term Amid Growing Frustration

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Despite being 92, Cameroon's President Paul Biya has announced his candidacy for another seven-year term in October, sparking growing frustration among citizens and calls for him to step down. Biya has been in power since 1982, and his rule has seen a steady decline in voter turnout, with only 53.3% of registered voters casting their ballots in 2018, compared to over 80% in earlier elections. Many people in Cameroon live in poverty, with a third of the population surviving on less than $2 a day, and a growing number of young people feel disconnected from the political process.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Paul Biya, 92, has announced his candidacy for another seven-year term in October, despite growing frustration among citizens and calls for him to step down.
  • Biya has been in power since 1982, with a steady decline in voter turnout, from over 80% in earlier elections to 53.3% in 2018.
  • Many people in Cameroon live in poverty, with a third of the population surviving on less than $2 a day.
  • A growing number of young people feel disconnected from the political process, with some saying they have given up on the government.
  • Two of Biya's former ministers, Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma, have resigned and will run against him.
  • Opposition figures, such as Kah Walla, leader of the Cameroon People's Party, say the elections cannot be fair under current conditions and will boycott the vote.
  • MRC's candidate, Maurice Kamto, hopes to rally young and undecided voters, but mistrust in the electoral system runs deep.

Statistics:

  • Only 53.3% of registered voters cast their ballots in 2018.
  • More than 80% of workers are informally employed, according to a national survey.
  • A third of the population in Cameroon survives on less than $2 a day.
  • Voter turnout has been steadily declining since Biya's rule began.
  • Biya has been in power for over 40 years, with his rule marked by a significant decline in voter turnout and growing poverty.

Sources:

  • The Guardian
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