Imagine standing in a dusty polling station in Yaoundé, the air thick with anticipation and a hint of tension. An elderly voter, perhaps in his 70s, shares a quiet story with me—how he remembers the day Paul Biya first took office back in 1982. “He brought stability after chaos,” he says with a nod, but then his eyes narrow. “But now? My grandchildren can’t find jobs.” It’s moments like these that capture the heart of Cameroon’s 2025 presidential election. At 92, Paul Biya, the world’s oldest sitting president, is vying for an eighth term, a move that’s sparked everything from quiet resignation to fiery protests. As votes are tallied and claims of victory swirl, this isn’t just about one man—it’s about a nation’s crossroads.
The Enduring Figure: Paul Biya’s Journey to Power
Paul Biya wasn’t always the iron-fisted leader some see today. Born in 1933 in a small village in southern Cameroon, he studied in France, earning degrees in law and political science before returning home. He rose quickly under President Ahmadou Ahidjo, becoming prime minister in 1975 and then president when Ahidjo resigned in 1982. What followed was a consolidation of power that few could have predicted.
Biya’s early years focused on unifying a bilingual nation—French and English speakers alike—after independence from colonial powers. He navigated economic booms from oil in the 1980s, investing in infrastructure like roads and schools. But whispers of authoritarianism grew; a 1984 coup attempt led to purges, and multiparty democracy in the 1990s came with strings attached.
Today, at 92, Biya spends much time abroad in Switzerland, fueling rumors about his health. His daughter Brenda even posted (then deleted) a video urging voters against him, citing family mistreatment. It’s a personal touch in a political saga that’s lasted over four decades.
A Mixed Bag: Achievements Versus Criticisms in Biya’s Rule
On the positive side, Biya has maintained relative stability in a volatile region. Cameroon avoided the civil wars that plagued neighbors like the Central African Republic. Economic growth averaged around 4% annually in recent years, with investments in hydropower and agriculture. Yet, critics point to rampant corruption—Cameroon ranks 144th out of 180 on Transparency International’s index—and inequality. Youth unemployment hovers at 13%, and the Anglophone crisis since 2017 has displaced over 700,000 people, with atrocities on both sides.
I recall chatting with a young entrepreneur in Douala who laughed bitterly: “Biya’s like that old uncle who won’t retire—good stories, but the house is falling apart.” It’s this blend of respect and frustration that defines his legacy.
The 2025 Election: A Tense Battleground
The election on October 12, 2025, saw over 8 million registered voters head to polls amid tight security. Elecam, the electoral body, managed 36,000 stations, but turnout varied—high in urban areas, low in conflict zones like the Northwest and Southwest. The single-round system means the candidate with the most votes wins, no runoff needed.
Controversies erupted early. Voter registration closed August 31, 2024, but opposition cried foul over exclusions. Then, Maurice Kamto, a strong 2018 challenger, was disqualified because his party boycotted 2020 locals, leaving them without parliamentary seats.
Key Players: Opposition Candidates Challenging the Status Quo
Nine opposition candidates stepped up, but fragmentation weakened their punch. Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 76, a former Biya ally turned foe, emerged as a frontrunner. He resigned in June, rallying crowds with promises of a three-to-five-year transition to rebuild.
Others include Cabral Libii, a 45-year-old law prof popular with youth; Joshua Osih of the SDF; and Hermine Patricia Tomaïno Ndam Njoya, the sole woman, pushing for electoral reform.
| Candidate | Party | Age | Key Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Biya | RDPC | 92 | Stability, economic development |
| Issa Tchiroma Bakary | FSNC | 76 | Transition government, anti-corruption |
| Cabral Libii | PCRN | 45 | Youth empowerment, job creation |
| Joshua Osih | SDF | 56 | Democratic reforms, Anglophone rights |
| Hermine Patricia Tomaïno Ndam Njoya | UDC | 56 | Gender equality, electoral code revision |
This table shows the diversity, but without unity, Biya’s machine—state media, resources—gives him an edge.
Regional Dynamics: How Geography Shapes the Vote
Cameroon’s 10 regions tell different stories. The North, Tchiroma’s base, traditionally backs Biya but shifted this time. Anglophone areas saw low turnout due to separatist threats; some boycotted entirely.
In the Center and South, Biya’s strongholds, loyalty runs deep. But urban youth in Douala and Yaoundé crave change, protesting with chants like “Biya must go.” A mechanic I spoke to quipped, “We’re voting for Wi-Fi, not grandpas.”
Economic Hurdles: Unemployment, Inequality, and Growth Pains
Cameroon’s economy grew 3.5% in 2024, but it’s uneven. Oil, cocoa, and timber drive it, yet 37% live in poverty. Youth joblessness fuels discontent; a recent grad told me, “I studied engineering, now I drive taxis.”
Inflation at 6% bites hard, especially in conflict zones where aid cuts worsen hunger. The World Bank urges forest harnessing for sustainable growth, but corruption siphons funds.
- High youth unemployment: 13%, leading to brain drain.
- Poverty rate: 37.5%, concentrated in rural North and Far North.
- GDP growth: 4% average, but inequality gaps widen.
- Debt: Public debt at 45% of GDP, risking sustainability.
These issues make the election a referendum on Biya’s economic stewardship.
Social Strains: The Anglophone Crisis and Human Rights Concerns
The 2017 Anglophone uprising turned deadly, with over 6,000 killed and 700,000 displaced. Separatists want independence for English-speaking regions, feeling marginalized.
Human rights groups decry abuses: arbitrary arrests, torture. Amnesty International reports thousands detained without trial. Women and children suffer most—schools closed, healthcare scarce.
A teacher from Bamenda shared heartbreakingly: “My students learn under trees, fearing bullets. How can we vote for more of this?”
Global Eyes: International Reactions to the Polls
The world watches warily. The UN urged fair elections, citing civic space restrictions. France, Cameroon’s ex-colonizer, stays mum but influences behind scenes—Biya’s a key ally.
The US and EU called for transparency, with observers noting irregularities like ballot stuffing rumors. African Union deployed monitors, praising peaceful voting but flagging low turnout.
Post-poll, Tchiroma’s victory claim drew mixed responses; some see it as bold, others premature. If Biya wins, expect aid ties to tighten; if not, a rare African power shift.
Prospects Ahead: What a Biya Win or Loss Means
If Biya extends his rule to 99, stability might persist, but stagnation too. Pros: Continued foreign investment in infrastructure. Cons: Deepening youth alienation, potential unrest.
A Tchiroma upset? Fresh reforms, but transition risks chaos in a divided nation.
Compare to Zimbabwe’s Mugabe or Uganda’s Museveni—long rules breed successors, not democracy. Cameroon could buck the trend, or not.
- Pros of Biya Winning: Experience in regional security, economic continuity.
- Cons: Entrenched corruption, ignored crises like Anglophone conflict.
Whatever the outcome, Cameroon’s youth—over 60% under 25—demand change. As one voter joked, “We’re not electing a president; we’re choosing between yesterday and tomorrow.”
People Also Ask
Drawing from common searches, here are real questions people ask about the Cameroon 2025 election:
- Who is running in the Cameroon presidential election 2025? Key candidates include Paul Biya (incumbent), Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Cabral Libii, and others like Joshua Osih.
- What is at stake in the Cameroon election? The future of democracy, economic reform, and resolving the Anglophone crisis amid Biya’s long rule.
- Will Paul Biya win the 2025 election? Polls suggest yes, but opposition claims like Tchiroma’s victory declaration add uncertainty.
- How does the Cameroon electoral system work? It’s first-past-the-post; most votes win, no majority needed.
- What are the main issues in Cameroon 2025 polls? Unemployment, corruption, human rights, and regional conflicts top the list.
FAQ
Who won the Cameroon presidential election 2025?
As of October 15, 2025, official results are pending from the Constitutional Council, due by October 26. Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary claimed victory, but the government dismisses it as premature.
How old is Paul Biya, and how long has he been president?
Paul Biya is 92 years old and has been president since November 6, 1982—over 42 years, making him Africa’s second-longest-serving leader.
What are the best tools for following Cameroon election updates?
Use apps like Al Jazeera or BBC for live news, or Elecam’s official site for results. For analysis, check Crisis Group reports. Social media like X (formerly Twitter) offers real-time posts, but verify sources.
Where can I get more information on voting in Cameroon?
Visit Elecam’s website (https://www.elecam.cm) for voter guides, or international sites like the African Union for observer reports.
Is the Cameroon election fair?
Critics allege bias in Elecam and disqualifications like Maurice Kamto’s. International observers noted peaceful voting but raised concerns over civic restrictions.
In the end, as tallying continues and tensions simmer, Cameroon’s story is one of resilience. Whether Biya clings on or a new era dawns, the people’s voices—whispered in markets or shouted in streets—will shape what comes next. For more on African politics, check external links like BBC Africa or internal to our site on long-serving leaders.