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Presidential elections

Cameroon's Longest-Serving Leader Poised to Retain Power

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Cameroon's President Paul Biya, at 92, has led the Central African country for nearly five decades, initially as Prime Minister from 1975 and as President since 1982. He is widely expected to win the presidential election held this past Sunday, despite longstanding allegations of corruption, poor governance, and an inadequate response to insecurity. Over 8 million Cameroonians were registered to vote across more than 31,650 polling stations, in a nation grappling with dual security challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • Paul Biya, at 92, has been Cameroon's longest-serving leader, serving as Prime Minister from 1975 and as President since 1982.
  • The presidential election, held on Sunday, was preceded by restrictions on civic freedoms and limited political space.
  • Over 8 million Cameroonians were registered to vote across more than 31,650 polling stations in a country of roughly 31 million people.
  • The elections were marked by dual security challenges: a separatist insurgency in the English-speaking regions and ongoing threats from Islamist militants in the north.
  • Biya has already served seven presidential terms, and an eighth appears imminent despite allegations of corruption, poor governance, and inadequate response to insecurity.
  • Presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary claimed on election eve that there were plans to arrest him, and accused Minister of Territorial Administration, Atanga Nji, of making threats against him.
  • The African Union Election Observation Mission (AU EOM) is set to release its preliminary findings on Tuesday, led by former Rwandan Prime Minister Bernard Makuza.

Statistics:

  • Paul Biya has been Cameroon's President since 1982, making him the world's oldest sitting president.
  • Over 8 million Cameroonians were registered to vote in the presidential election.
  • There were more than 31,650 polling stations across the country.
  • Cameroon has a population of roughly 31 million people.
  • Biya has already served seven presidential terms.

Sources:

  • CAJ News
  • African Union Election Observation Mission (AU EOM)

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