Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya appears ready to extend his 43-year rule as voting began on Sunday. Despite facing 11 challengers, analysts predict another easy win for the long-serving leader in the Cameroon election.
Among his opponents is Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 79, a former employment minister and once a Biya loyalist. Bakary has stirred enthusiasm among young voters, who make up half of the population.
Still, experts doubt the contest’s competitiveness, citing Biya’s tight control over state institutions and his history of securing more than 70% of votes.
Bakary became Biya’s main challenger after opposition leader Maurice Kamto was disqualified from the race; a move rights groups say undermines the election’s credibility.
Polling for Cameroon’s eight million registered voters opened at 8 a.m. and closed at 6 p.m. The election took place amid separatist violence in the English-speaking regions, high youth unemployment, and economic difficulties.
Bakary drew large crowds in the Far North, reflecting public frustration, while Biya held only one rally there. Political analyst Stephane Akoa noted that many young people desire change but fear large-scale protests.
Over 55,000 election observers, including teams from the African Union, monitored the polls. The Constitutional Council is expected to announce official results by October 26.
