Cameroon’s 92-year-old president set for another term as country goes to polls

Cameroon’s 92-Year-Old President Set for Another Term as Country Goes to Polls

Cameroon is once again at a political crossroads as it heads to the polls on Sunday, October 12, 2025, with President Paul Biya, aged 92, seeking an eighth term in office.

Biya, who has ruled the Central African nation since 1982, is currently the world’s oldest non-royal head of state and Africa’s second-longest-serving leader. His campaign, launched with a rally in Maroua in the Far North Region, emphasized promises of youth employment, improved security, and enhanced infrastructure.

Addressing supporters, Biya stated his goal was to ensure every young Cameroonian had access to job opportunities or the means to become entrepreneurs.

Despite his advanced age and growing concerns about his health, Biya remains the favorite to win. The opposition, fragmented into 11 candidates, has struggled to mount a unified challenge. Notably, Maurice Kamto, considered one of the most credible opposition figures, was barred from running by the courts, further weakening the opposition’s prospects.

Many Cameroonians, especially the youth, express skepticism about the fairness of the electoral process, with some branding the vote a “scam” and questioning the point of participating in what they perceive as a rigged systemThe Guardian Nigeria.

The election unfolds against a backdrop of significant national challenges. Cameroon continues to grapple with high youth unemployment, rising food costs, and persistent insecurity.

The Far North Region, where Biya launched his campaign, has been a hotspot for Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings. Meanwhile, the Anglophone regions in the south remain embroiled in a secessionist conflict that has destabilized the country for years.

With 8.2 million registered voters, the stakes are high, yet voter apathy is palpable. Many citizens feel disillusioned by decades of Biya’s rule, which they associate with economic stagnation and political repression.

Nonetheless, Biya’s grip on power appears unshaken. His party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), continues to dominate the political landscape, and his re-election would extend his rule until nearly the age of 100.

The international community watches with cautious interest, as questions about democratic integrity and human rights persist.

While Biya’s supporters tout his experience and stability, critics argue that Cameroon desperately needs new leadership to address its mounting socio-economic and security issues.

As the polls open, the outcome seems all but certain, yet the broader implications for Cameroon’s future remain deeply uncertain.