Cameroon’s 92-Year-Old Paul Biya Poised for Eighth Term as Nation Votes amid Calls for Change

By Agencies

YAOUNDE, Cameroon – Cameroon went to the polls on Sunday in a tightly watched election that could extend President Paul Biya’s four-decade rule, making the 92-year-old leader one of the longest-serving heads of state in the world.

Analysts, according to the Associated Press, widely predict another victory for Biya, who has ruled the Central African nation since 1982 after the resignation of the country’s founding president, Ahmadou Ahidjo. Should he win, Biya would remain in power until at least the age of 99.

The veteran leader, who has dominated Cameroon’s politics for more than 43 years, faces nine challengers — including former ministers Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma Bakary — both of whom once served in his government.

Biya, who cast his vote at a primary school in the capital Yaoundé, declined to discuss his future, saying he would wait for the results. “In the face of an increasingly difficult international environment, the challenges before us are more and more pressing. In such a situation, I cannot shirk my mission,” he said while announcing his candidacy earlier this year.

Speculation about the president’s health has persisted for years, as he spends long periods abroad, often in Europe, while key government affairs are handled by senior officials and family members.

The election comes at a time of deep social and economic strain. According to United Nations estimates, 43% of Cameroonians live in poverty. Public frustration has grown over deteriorating infrastructure, unemployment, and inflation.

“Things have to change,” said Cheukam Ginette, a 34-year-old environmentalist and first-time voter in Yaoundé. “Life is expensive, getting medical care is not easy. There are no proper roads, we have potholes everywhere. Everything is ruined. That’s why I voted for the opposition.”

Cameroon also continues to grapple with internal conflict and insecurity. In the English-speaking western regions, separatist fighters are battling government forces, while in the north, Boko Haram-linked militants continue to attack villages along the Nigerian border.

At least 8 million voters — including more than 34,000 living abroad — are registered across 31,000 polling stations nationwide. The predominantly Muslim northern provinces, where Biya’s challengers Maigari and Bakary enjoy considerable support, are viewed as key battlegrounds.

Polls closed at 6 p.m. local time, and official results are expected by 26 October, according to Cameroon’s electoral commission.

If re-elected, Paul Biya will cement his position not only as Africa’s oldest serving president but also as one of the longest-reigning leaders in modern history — a symbol of continuity for supporters and stagnation for critics.