Cameroon Votes in Presidential Election Expected to Keep Paul Biya in Power

Strategic Insights -

Cameroonians have taken to the polls in a presidential election expected to maintain 92-year-old President Paul Biya in power for an eighth term, with the world's oldest serving head of state having ruled the country for 43 years. Biya, who has won every election over the past two decades with more than 70% of the vote, faces 11 opponents, including 79-year-old former employment minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who has attracted surprising support among young people. The election has been marked by a more energetic campaign than usual, with some observers suggesting a chance for surprises. Political analyst Stephane Akoa notes that "this campaign has been livelier. That's a sign things might be changing." Despite Biya's age, he appeared in good health during a recent public appearance in Maroua, a key northern region with 1.2 million voters. Many of Biya's rivals are appealing to young voters, who are frustrated with the high cost of living, lack of clean water, poor healthcare, and weak education. Election Monitoring

Key Takeaways:

  • Biya has been Cameroon's president since 1982, making him the country's second-longest serving head of state since independence from France in 1960.
  • The election has 11 candidates, including 79-year-old former employment minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who has attracted surprise support among young people.
  • Biya has won every election over the past two decades with more than 70% of the vote, making this election unlikely to be a challenge for him.
  • The campaign has been more energetic than usual, with some observers suggesting a chance for surprises.
  • Young voters are frustrated with the high cost of living, lack of clean water, poor healthcare, and weak education.
  • Many Cameroonians are unaware of alternative rules and democratic principles, which could hinder the development of democracy.
  • Massive demonstrations are unlikely to occur despite the desire for change.
  • Election monitoring by 55,000 local and international observers, including those from the African Union, is underway.
  • The Constitutional Council will announce final results by October 26.
  • Online platforms plan to publish their own vote tallies, which the government has condemned as attempts to manipulate public opinion.
  • Voting is affected by ongoing conflict in the English-speaking regions, where separatist violence has continued since 2016.

Statistics:

  • 92-year-old President Paul Biya has been in power since 1982.
  • Biya has been Cameroon's president for 43 years.
  • About eight million Cameroonians are eligible to vote in this election.
  • More than 70% of the vote has been the minimum threshold for Biya's election victories over the past two decades.
  • 40% of Cameroon's people live in poverty.
  • Urban unemployment in Cameroon stands at 35%, according to the World Bank.
  • 55,000 local and international observers are monitoring the election.
  • Biya won the 2018 election with a landslide victory.

Sources:

  • African Union
  • Human Rights Watch
  • World Bank
  • World Bank's data on poverty and urban unemployment