Cameroonian President Paul Biya, at 92 years old, seeks another term in office through election proceedings. - Cameroonian President Paul Biya set to contest elections at the age of 92
In the heart of Central Africa, Cameroon's political landscape under President Paul Biya continues to unfold, characterised by a long-standing authoritarian rule and contested electoral history. Biya, who has been in power since 1982, is one of Africa's longest-serving heads of state.
### Electoral History: A Tale of Contested Victories
Biya first ascended to the presidency in 1982 and was reelected in 1984 and 1988 as the sole candidate. Following a coup attempt in 1984, he consolidated power by transforming the ruling party and later implementing some democratic reforms in the 1990s.
The country held its first multi-party elections in 1992, which Biya won, as well as subsequent elections in 1997, 2004, 2011, and 2018. However, these elections were frequently criticised for irregularities by opposition parties.
In 2008, the constitution was amended to abolish presidential term limits, allowing Biya to run for unlimited terms—a move pivotal to his continuing rule. In the 2018 presidential election, Biya officially won over 72% of the vote amid heavy opposition accusations of electoral fraud.
### The Road to 2025: Uncertainty and Division
The next presidential election is scheduled for October 12, 2025. After months of speculation, the 92-year-old Biya has officially announced his bid for an eighth term, reinforcing his grip on power despite concerns about his age and health.
The political scene remains highly fragmented, with several opposition candidates declared and some former ministers breaking from the ruling party, highlighting divisions within the elite. The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) continues to dominate, having previously named Biya its natural candidate, despite his late confirmation to run.
Cameroon faces serious challenges, including security problems, particularly separatist conflicts and unrest in the English-speaking regions, as well as economic difficulties.
### A Look Beyond Borders: The Longest-Serving Leader in the Neighbourhood
It's worth noting that Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the dictator in Cameroon's neighbouring country, Equatorial Guinea, has been in power longer than Paul Biya.
### Cameroon: A Nation in Transition
As Cameroon prepares for the 2025 elections, the question of leadership succession looms large. With half of its population under the age of 19, the country is poised for a generational shift. Whether this transition will bring about meaningful change remains to be seen.
In his statement, Biya, often referred to as the world's oldest president, promises, "The best is yet to come," pledging to serve the people of Cameroon to address the challenges they face. Time will tell if this promise will be fulfilled.
- The upcoming presidential election in 2025 in Cameroon, scheduled for October 12, is causing uncertainty and division, as opposition candidates challenge the long-standing authoritarian rule of President Paul Biya, who has announced his bid for an eighth term.
- Despite being surpassed in terms of duration by Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Paul Biya's electoral history in Cameroon continues to be marked by contested victories, irregularities, and allegations of electoral fraud.
