President Paul Biya, the 92-year-old leader of Cameroon, is poised to secure an eighth term in office, marking a remarkable streak of longevity for Africa's longest-serving head of state. With nearly four decades at the helm, Biya has skillfully maneuvered his way through opposition divisions and electoral machinery to maintain his grip on power.
Sunday's single-round general election is expected to result in Biya's re-election, with 11 challengers vying for the top spot. Former government spokesperson Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a close ally of Biya, appears to be the main challenger, having resigned from his position just months ago to join the opposition. However, analysts predict Biya's victory, citing his strong control over state institutions and the fragmented nature of the opposition.
Cameroon, with its 30 million people, has experienced modest economic growth since 2023, but everyday citizens continue to struggle with pressing issues such as unemployment, falling commodity prices, rising poverty, and a cost-of-living crisis. The country's infrastructure needs are also crying out for attention, yet ordinary citizens face significant challenges in accessing basic services like clean water, healthcare, and quality education.
With more than eight million registered voters, including over 34,000 Cameroonians living abroad, the Constitutional Council has until October 26 to announce the final results. According to Francois Conradie, head of political economy at Oxford Economics, Biya's entrenched electoral machinery and opposition divisions are likely to secure his re-election. Despite speculation surrounding his health, which often takes him abroad for treatment, Biya remains a dominant figure in Cameroonian politics.
Biya's re-election underscores both the longevity of his rule and the persistent social and economic challenges facing Cameroonians. With the country boasting a diverse economy that is significant producer of oil and cocoa, it is striking that four out of ten citizens live below the poverty line. As Cameroon heads to the polls, the election will likely be seen as a testament to Biya's enduring influence, even if it also highlights the deep-seated social and economic issues that remain unaddressed.
Sunday's single-round general election is expected to result in Biya's re-election, with 11 challengers vying for the top spot. Former government spokesperson Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a close ally of Biya, appears to be the main challenger, having resigned from his position just months ago to join the opposition. However, analysts predict Biya's victory, citing his strong control over state institutions and the fragmented nature of the opposition.
Cameroon, with its 30 million people, has experienced modest economic growth since 2023, but everyday citizens continue to struggle with pressing issues such as unemployment, falling commodity prices, rising poverty, and a cost-of-living crisis. The country's infrastructure needs are also crying out for attention, yet ordinary citizens face significant challenges in accessing basic services like clean water, healthcare, and quality education.
With more than eight million registered voters, including over 34,000 Cameroonians living abroad, the Constitutional Council has until October 26 to announce the final results. According to Francois Conradie, head of political economy at Oxford Economics, Biya's entrenched electoral machinery and opposition divisions are likely to secure his re-election. Despite speculation surrounding his health, which often takes him abroad for treatment, Biya remains a dominant figure in Cameroonian politics.
Biya's re-election underscores both the longevity of his rule and the persistent social and economic challenges facing Cameroonians. With the country boasting a diverse economy that is significant producer of oil and cocoa, it is striking that four out of ten citizens live below the poverty line. As Cameroon heads to the polls, the election will likely be seen as a testament to Biya's enduring influence, even if it also highlights the deep-seated social and economic issues that remain unaddressed.