Cameroon opened polls today for its presidential election, with long-serving President Paul Biya poised to secure an unprecedented eighth term in office. At 92 years old, Biya is the world’s oldest serving head of state and has ruled the Central African nation for over four decades.
Polling stations across the country began operations at 8:00 a.m. local time, welcoming more than eight million registered voters to cast their ballots in a single-round election. Biya faces 11 challengers, including former employment minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 79, who has gained unexpected traction among younger voters.
Despite calls for generational change, Biya’s Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) remains dominant, with the president having won every election since 1982 by wide margins. His campaign has emphasized stability and continuity, though critics point to growing socioeconomic challenges and limited public engagement from the incumbent, who made his first public appearance of the campaign just five days before the vote.
Opposition parties have struggled to unite behind a single candidate, weakening their chances against Biya’s entrenched political machinery. The divided field includes former ministers and vocal critics, but none have emerged as a clear frontrunner.
The election is being closely watched by international observers amid concerns over transparency and voter intimidation. Polls are scheduled to close at 6:00 p.m. local time, with preliminary results expected within the week.