YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Polls opened in Cameroon on Sunday in an election that might see Africa’s oldest chief prolong his rule by one other 7 years.
Round 8 million voters, together with over 34,000 abroad, are registered to take part at greater than 31,000 polling stations within the Central African nation. Cameroon had over 29 million folks in 2024, and like many sub-Saharan African international locations, its inhabitants is overwhelmingly younger.
Polls are anticipated to shut at 6 p.m., and the outcomes are anticipated on the newest by Oct. 26.
Analysts have predicted a victory for present President Paul Biya, who first grew to become president in 1982 following the resignation of Cameroon’s first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo, and has dominated the nation since then. Biya was declared the winner of seven subsequent elections. Cameroon has seen simply two leaders since independence in 1960.
“Within the face of more and more tough worldwide atmosphere, the challenges dealing with us are an increasing number of urgent,” Biya mentioned in asserting one other run. “In such a scenario, I can not shirk my mission.” He didn’t give particulars.
If victorious, Biya could be 99 years previous by the point his time period finishes. His well being has routinely been a subject of hypothesis as he spends most of his time in Europe, leaving everyday governing to key social gathering officers and relations.
Biya faces 9 opposition candidates, together with some former allies and appointees. They embody Bello Bouba Maigari, who was minister for tourism, and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who till just lately served because the minister of employment.
At his first marketing campaign rally, held final week within the northern metropolis of Maroua, Biya promised change for one among Cameroon’s poorest areas. The predominately Muslim north accounts for almost 20% of the nation’s eligible voters, and Maigari and Bakary command robust followings within the Far North.
The nation faces escalating safety crises. Within the western area, a secessionist warfare is being fought between primarily English-speaking separatists who declare they’re marginalized by the French-speaking majority, and authorities forces. Within the north, the Boko Haram insurgency spills over from neighboring Nigeria, with armed teams routinely attacking border cities.
A minimum of 43% of the nation’s residents reside in poverty as measured by core residing requirements similar to revenue, schooling and well being, in line with U.N. estimates.
