Cameroon’s presidential campaign officially launched on Saturday, setting the stage for a high stakes election on 12 October that could either extend 92-years-old President Paul Biya’s rule into a fifth decade or finally bring it to an end. Biya has been in power since 1982, making him the world’s oldest and one of the longest serving leaders. He is seeking an eighth term, despite growing calls for generational change in a country where two thirds of the population is under 30.
Twelve candidates were initially cleared to contest, though two Ateki Seta Carson and Akere Muna have already stepped aside to form a coalition with Bello Bouba Maigari, a former ally of Biya and ex-tourism minister. Maigari launched his campaign in Douala with fiery remarks urging citizens to “reject fraud” and safeguard their votes. There is mounting pressure on opposition figures to rally behind a single candidate to boost their chances of defeating Biya, but divisions remain. Talks are ongoing about a potential coalition between Maigari and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, another heavyweight candidate, who is expected to officially begin his campaign this week.
Meanwhile, Cabral Libii, at 45 one of the youngest contenders, drew hundreds to a rally in Douala on Sunday. A former journalist who placed third in the 2018 election, Libii has become the face of younger voters demanding change. “We want a new person as head of state because since I was born, I have only known one president,” one supporter told reporters. Another added: “For once, we need someone young, like Cabral.”
Around 8 million people are registered to vote in the election. Observers say the outcome will hinge not only on Biya’s entrenched political machinery but also on whether opposition leaders can overcome their divisions to present a united front.
