Biya's Re-election Bid and Youth Apathy

Cameroon's President Paul Biya, at 92, is seeking to extend his 43-year rule by running for an eighth consecutive term in the presidential election scheduled for Sunday, October 12, 2025. His campaign, marked by a singular rally and a private trip to Europe, has drawn criticism, particularly from a young electorate that has known no other leader. Biya, who has been in power since 1982, has promised that "the best is still to come" for Cameroon.

However, this promise resonates differently with a significant portion of Cameroon's population, where the median age is 18. Many young Cameroonians express disillusionment with the political system and a lack of faith in the electoral process, citing high unemployment and corruption as major concerns.

Historical Context and Political Landscape

Paul Biya ascended to the presidency on November 6, 1982, following the unexpected resignation of then-President Ahmadou Ahidjo. He has since maintained a firm grip on power, a tenure marked by the abolition of presidential term limits in 2008, which paved the way for his continued re-elections. His rule has been described by some analysts as having hollowed out democratic institutions and stifled dissent.

The upcoming election sees Biya challenged by nine opposition candidates. However, the opposition remains fragmented, and a notable challenger, Maurice Kamto, who was the runner-up in the 2018 election, has been disqualified from the 2025 race due to alleged non-compliance with legal requirements.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

Cameroon's electoral system operates on a first-past-the-post basis, meaning the candidate with the most votes wins without needing an absolute majority. The registration for voting for the 2025 election concluded on August 31, 2024, with over seven million people estimated to have registered. Despite this, concerns about the credibility of past elections and allegations of electoral fraud persist.

The government has faced scrutiny for extending the terms of municipal councillors and members of the National Assembly, a move critics argue violates constitutional provisions for such actions only during a serious crisis.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

The sentiment among many young Cameroonians is one of weariness with the prolonged leadership. Elvis Nghobo, a 34-year-old food vendor in Yaoundé, exemplifies this frustration, blaming a corrupt education system for his inability to secure professional opportunities and expressing a lack of motivation to vote. Conversely, a surge in youth voter registration has been observed across all ten regions, with many young people actively collecting their voter cards and expressing a desire to influence the nation's future. Social media campaigns using hashtags like #MyVoteCounts and #Change2025 reflect this renewed engagement.

Evidence and Data

• Presidential Election Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025.
• Paul Biya's Age: 92 years old (as of July 2025).
• Years in Power: Since November 6, 1982 (43 years).
• Registered Voters: Over 8 million Cameroonians are registered to vote in the 2025 election.
• Youth Population: Over 60% of Cameroon's population is under 35 years old.
• 2018 Voter Turnout: 33.2% of eligible voters cast their ballots.
• Poverty Rate: At least 43% of Cameroon's citizens live in poverty (U.N. estimates).
• Unemployment Rate: Official unemployment stands at 3.5%, but 57% of the labor force aged 18-35 works in informal employment (World Bank data).

Risks and Implications

The continued rule of an aging leader in a country with a predominantly young population presents potential risks, including sustained youth frustration and a widening disconnect between the government and its citizens. The disqualification of key opposition figures and allegations of electoral manipulation could further erode public trust in democratic processes. Furthermore, Cameroon faces ongoing security challenges, including a secessionist movement in its western Anglophone regions and the persistent threat of Boko Haram in the north.

Unknowns and Controversies

Despite the visible enthusiasm among some young voters, it remains uncertain whether this will translate into a significantly higher voter turnout compared to previous elections. The impact of the opposition's inability to form a united front against President Biya also remains a key unknown. The long-term implications of Biya's extended rule on Cameroon's democratic development and economic stability are subjects of ongoing debate.

Timeline and Next Steps

The presidential election is set for Sunday, October 12, 2025. Candidates were required to submit their applications by July 21, 2025. The official campaign period is underway, with candidates making their final appeals to voters.

What to Watch

Observers will be closely watching the voter turnout, particularly among the youth, to gauge the extent of their political engagement. The transparency and fairness of the electoral process, especially in light of past allegations, will also be under scrutiny. The post-election period will reveal how the government addresses the concerns of its young population and navigates the country's various socio-economic and security challenges.

Related Stories

For further insights into Cameroon's political landscape, explore reports on youth unemployment, the Anglophone crisis, and the history of presidential elections in the country.