Cameroonians headed to the polls on October 12, 2025, for the highly anticipated Cameroon Election 2025, where President Paul Biya, now 92 years old, once again sought to extend his decades-long leadership. He voted in Yaoundé under tight security arrangements as millions participated nationwide.
Biya’s Four-Decade Grip on Power
Ruling since 1982, Biya stands as Africa’s longest-serving president. His potential victory would see him lead until the age of 99, reinforcing his long-established control over Cameroon’s political system.
Expectations Point to Biya’s Advantage
Political experts believe Biya is poised for yet another win, having already claimed seven consecutive electoral victories. Cameroon’s single-round voting system, which grants victory to the candidate with the most votes, makes it challenging for the opposition to consolidate support.
Opposition Remains Deeply Divided
The president faces nine challengers, including former government allies Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma Bakary. However, opposition fragmentation continues to weaken their collective strength, giving Biya a significant edge in the Cameroon Election 2025.
Security Tensions and Economic Strain
The election unfolded amid growing security threats and economic hardship. In the west, separatist violence persists in Anglophone regions. In the north, Boko Haram militants continue to stage attacks. Economically, nearly 43% of Cameroonians live in poverty, facing limited access to education, healthcare, and stable income. These challenges have amplified public frustration yet have not substantially altered the political status quo.
Health Concerns Shadow Biya’s Campaign
Frequent medical trips to Europe and Biya’s rare public appearances have reignited discussions about his health. Many citizens question whether the elderly leader still actively governs or if senior officials have assumed greater control of state affairs.
Youth Participation Marks Election Day
With over 8 million registered voters, including 34,000 citizens abroad, the Cameroon Election 2025 recorded strong turnout across 31,000 polling stations. Young voters, in particular, showed renewed interest in shaping their country’s political direction.
Official Results Awaited
Voting ended at 6 p.m., with official results expected by October 26, 2025. While counting continues, most analysts predict another Paul Biya victory, extending one of Africa’s longest political reigns as Cameroon struggles with the dual challenge of economic instability and regional unrest.
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