YAOUNDÉ, July 11 – Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, aged 91, will run for another term in the upcoming presidential election, despite being 93 by election time. The announcement comes after Cameroon’s parliament approved a one-year delay of parliamentary and municipal elections, prompting outrage among opposition leaders.
The decision to postpone the elections was defended by the presidency, citing a crowded political calendar. However, critics argue it is a tactic to maintain Biya’s long-standing rule, as he has been in power since 1982. The delay also means opposition politicians might not be able to contest the presidential race, leaving Biya in a strong position.
Cameroon’s National Assembly, dominated by Biya’s Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), approved the extension with 152 out of 180 votes. Under Cameroon’s electoral code, only parties with representation in the National Assembly, Senate, Regional Council, or Municipal Council can nominate a presidential candidate. Independent candidates require endorsement from 300 dignitaries in each of the country’s 10 regions.
Many opposition parties boycotted the last parliamentary and municipal elections, which could now haunt them. Prof Maurice Kamto, Biya’s main challenger in 2018, lacks the necessary representation due to his party’s boycott. Cabral Libii, another challenger, faces internal conflicts within his party, complicating his candidacy.
The postponement aims to spread the cost and logistical burden of the elections over two years. François Bolvine Wakata, Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Relations with Assemblies, argued that the delay was necessary to manage the electoral calendar effectively.
Despite these explanations, the opposition views the extension as a strategic move to weaken their chances. Joshua Osih, an opposition lawmaker, and Akere Muna, a former presidential candidate, both condemned the extension as undemocratic, although legal under the constitution in times of crisis.
Paul Atanga Nji, Minister for Territorial Administration, warned against any attempts to disrupt the electoral process, reinforcing the government’s stance as the 2025 elections approach.
This latest extension marks the third time in 15 years that local officials’ mandates have been prolonged, reflecting a pattern in Cameroon’s political strategy to maintain Biya’s long-standing rule. Lawmakers and municipal councillors elected in 2007 and 2013 also benefited from similar extensions, continuing the trend of political maneuvering in the country.
