Cameroon’s highly anticipated presidential election has entered a tense phase as the country awaits official results following a heated October 12 vote. Current reports from Yaoundé, Douala, and the conflict-torn North-West regions suggest that incumbent President Paul Biya maintains a strong lead in early tallies, though opposition candidates have raised concerns about transparency and fairness in the process.
BIYAS FOUR-DECADE GRIP ON POWER
At 92 years old, Paul Biya remains one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. Having ruled Cameroon since 1982, he is now seeking another seven-year term despite growing demands for generational change. Provisional reports from electoral observers indicate that Biya’s ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) is leading in most urban centers and key rural areas, thanks to established political structures and decades of state influence.
Local journalists have reported that Biya’s main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who once served as government spokesman before defecting to the opposition, has performed strongly in the northern regions but faces significant challenges nationwide. Analysts say fragmented opposition parties, logistical issues, and limited media access have again given Biya an upper hand.
ALLEGATIONS AND SECURITY CONCERNS
The election was conducted amid heightened security concerns, particularly in the Anglophone regions where separatist movements have been active since 2017. Reports from Bamenda and Buea suggest that several polling stations experienced disruptions due to threats and sporadic violence. However, the government claims that security forces successfully maintained control and ensured voting proceeded in most areas.
Election observers from both the African Union and Commonwealth acknowledged the calm conduct of the vote in major cities but noted “unequal access to campaign media coverage” and “a climate of intimidation” in conflict-affected zones. Despite these challenges, turnout was reportedly moderate, with urban voters showing more participation than those in rural conflict zones.
COUNTING AND RESULTS TIMELINE
According to the Cameroon Electoral Commission (ELECAM), vote counting began immediately after polls closed and continues across regional centers. Provisional figures from select districts show Biya’s CPDM securing between 58–62% of counted votes so far, while Bakary trails with about 30%, pending verification from official authorities.
The final results are expected to be officially declared by October 26, though early patterns indicate that Biya may extend his 43-year rule. Opposition representatives have called for a parallel vote tabulation to ensure transparency, warning that they will reject manipulated results.
INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL REACTIONS
International partners have expressed cautious optimism, urging calm and restraint from all sides. The United Nations, European Union, and African Union have all released statements emphasizing the need for credible results and post-election peace.
In neighboring countries such as Nigeria and Chad, governments are closely monitoring developments, given Cameroon’s strategic role in Central Africa’s economic and security landscape. Analysts note that prolonged instability or disputed results could affect regional cooperation on counterterrorism, trade, and border security.
CITIZENS SPEAK OUT
Across social media and public gatherings, Cameroonians express mixed emotions. Many younger voters say they feel disillusioned with what they describe as “predictable outcomes,” while others emphasize the need for stability over change. In Douala, local businessman Mbua Njume remarked, “We want peace first. After everything our country has faced, another crisis would destroy what little progress we have.”
Civil society groups continue to advocate for electoral reforms and the decentralization of power to bridge the growing divide between Anglophone and Francophone communities. Observers say the tone of the post-election period will determine whether Cameroon moves toward unity or deeper division.
OUTLOOK
As counting continues, Paul Biya remains firmly in front, buoyed by his party’s machinery and influence in state institutions. However, growing dissatisfaction among the youth and rising calls for accountability signal a new political awakening that could reshape Cameroon’s future politics.
The next two weeks will be crucial as Cameroonians await official results. The world watches to see whether Africa’s oldest ruler can once again consolidate power — or if this election will mark the beginning of a long-overdue political transition.
Comments
Post a Comment