Cameroon: President Biya to contest again at 93

President Paul Biya of Cameroon is set to contest the country’s presidential election again at the age of 93.

Founder of the Foreign Press Association Africa, Kennedy Wandera disclosed this on Thursday, citing news media, The EastAfrican.

“Cameroon is due to hold its next presidential election in 2025, longtime President Paul Biya will be 93. He has confirmed that he will contest,” the report read.

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“If he wins the election, and completes the new seven-year mandate, Biya will be 100 years in 2032.”

According to the report, Biya’s decisions to delay the election by a year and to allow him to contest despite his age have infuriated opposition politicians in Cameroon.

It stated that even these opponents may not be allowed to contest, leaving Biya free to win again and serve another seven-year mandate.

“Cameroon’s parliament last month approved Biya’s request to postpone parliamentary and municipal elections until 2026 to allow some breathing space claiming that the political calendar is crowded,” the report added.

“Cameroon usually holds legislative elections before presidential ones, with the final candidates vying for the top job based on their parties’ strength in the legislative polls.

“Now, the election of MPs and municipal councillors, which are usually held in twos, will take place in 2026, after the presidential elections following Biya’s decree which effectively extends the mandate of lawmakers.”

Cameroonians are, however, reportedly reluctant to register as voters because they believe it is a waste of time and think President Biya plans to rig the election.

Biya, 92, is one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents, having taken over from President Ahmadou Ahidjo in 1982.

He has won a series of elections, most recently in 2018, a victory that his opponents called fraudulent.