When you think about the Cameroon presidential election, the vote that decides who leads one of Africa’s most enduring political systems. Also known as Cameroon’s presidential vote, it’s not just a ballot—it’s a make-or-break moment for a nation that’s been under the same leader for over four decades. Paul Biya, who took power in 1982, still holds the reins. But with his age and health in question, the real question isn’t just who wins—it’s who’s next, and whether the system will let anyone else in.
The Cameroon presidential election, a process often criticized for lacking transparency and fairness. Also known as Cameroon’s contested vote, it’s rarely a true contest. Opposition candidates face hurdles: restricted media access, arrested supporters, and ballots that vanish. The Cameroon government, a centralized system where power flows from Yaoundé to every village. Also known as the Biya regime, controls everything from local councils to the courts. And when protests break out—like in the English-speaking regions in 2017—the response is swift, heavy, and rarely questioned by international allies. Meanwhile, the Cameroon military, a key player behind the scenes, loyal to the presidency and deeply involved in security operations. Also known as the armed forces of Cameroon, doesn’t just defend borders—it upholds the status quo. No surprise then that election results always show Biya winning by wide margins, even when independent observers say otherwise.
But things are shifting. A new generation is tired of the same names, same promises, same silence. Young people in Douala and Bafoussam are organizing online, sharing videos of police brutality, and asking: why can’t we choose our own leader? The Cameroon opposition, a fractured mix of parties, activists, and exiles. Also known as the anti-Biya coalition, has no single face, but it has growing energy. And while the ruling party still controls TV and radio, social media can’t be shut down. Every post, every hashtag, every shared video chips away at the myth of inevitability.
What happens in Cameroon doesn’t stay in Cameroon. It affects trade routes in Central Africa. It shapes refugee flows into Nigeria and Chad. It sends signals to other African leaders who’ve held on for decades. This election isn’t just about one man or one country—it’s a test of whether Africa’s old guard can still silence change, or if the tide is finally turning.
Below, you’ll find real reports from the ground: arrests before voting, protests crushed, international reactions, and the quiet stories of ordinary Cameroonians who still dare to hope for something different.
Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared himself Cameroon's election winner, defying President Paul Biya's 43-year rule and sparking protests, government condemnation, and fears of violence as the Constitutional Council delays official results.
