Can the world's oldest president keep his title and woo a nation of young voters?

BBCThe world’s oldest head of state, 92-year-old Paul Biya, has told Cameroonians “the best is still to come” as he seeks an eighth consecutive presidential term on Sunday. Having ruled since 1982, another seven-year mandate would see him reach half a century in power.Biya ignored widespread calls to retire and has faced criticism for attending only one campaign rally, spending much of the campaign on a private trip to Europe. A backlash over his use of an AI-generated campaign video, while rivals canvassed on the ground, prompted him to return and campaign in person.Addressing supporters in the northern city of Maroua, Biya pledged to prioritise women and youth in his next term. “I will keep my word,” he said. “Give me your valuable support once again.”For most Cameroonians, Biya is the only president they have known — more than 60% of the population is under 25. Political analyst Immanuel Wanah says Biya’s main focus “has been to stay in power, often at the expense of improving citizens’ lives.”Dr Tilarius Atia traces this survival instinct back to an attempted coup in 1984, which shaped Biya’s determination never to relinquish control. Young activist Marie Flore Mboussi says the country needs “new blood,” warning that “longevity in power inevitably leads to a kind of laziness. After 43 years, the people are tired.”Economic frustration and joblessnessThe election takes place amid mounting frustration over inflation, corruption, poor services and high unemployment. Nearly 40% of young Cameroonians aged 15–35 are jobless, and 23% of graduates struggle to find formal work, according to the International Organisation for Migration.“Many young people want to emigrate because they think there’s no way to become somebody here,” says 26-year-old graduate Vanina Nzekui. “All positions are occupied by older people.”But civil society activist Aziseh Mbi, 23, argues that age alone should not determine leadership, saying Biya has implemented “significant youth initiatives.”Opposition turmoil and barred candidatesThe campaign has been clouded by controversy over the exclusion of opposition leader Maurice Kamto, barred from the ballot after a rival faction of his party nominated another candidate. The Constitutional Council upheld the decision, widely seen as an attempt to block a strong challenger.Kamto, who came second in 2018 and claimed victory at the time, has called the move undemocratic. “The exclusion of Prof Kamto waters down the legitimacy of our democracy,” says Dr Atia. Wanah adds that the move “reinforces the perception that truly fair elections cannot take place in Cameroon.”Twelve candidates were approved to run, including Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, both former Biya allies who resigned their ministerial posts to challenge him. Opposition figures Cabral Lii, Joshua Osih and Patricia Ndam Njoya — the only woman candidate — are also in the race.Two contenders, including lawyer Akere Muna, dropped out to back Maigari, leaving ten names on the ballot. Calls for the opposition to unite behind a single candidate went unheeded.A divided opposition and a strong incumbentThe Union has endorsed Bakary for Change, a coalition of more than 50 political groups, but other opposition factions refused to join. “The failure to form a single coalition will cost them,” says Dr Atia.At 76, Bakary has drawn large crowds, particularly in the north. Thousands stood for hours in the rain to hear him in Douala. He promises to reform the system he once served. Still, analysts say Biya remains the favourite. “He just needs a slim majority,” says Dr Atia. “I see him winning despite the opposition’s efforts.”Conflict shadows the English-speaking regionsIn the Anglophone North-West and South-West, a separatist conflict has cast a pall over the vote. Rebels have declared a lockdown, halting business and education and threatening anyone who tries to vote.“We’ve seen people pulled out of their homes and slaughtered,” says resident Samah Abang-Mugwa, who plans to stay away from polling stations. Since 2017, fighting between separatists and government forces has killed at least 6 000 people and displaced nearly half a million, according to the UN.Activist Abine Ayah warns that the likely exclusion of much of the English-speaking population could undermine the credibility of the results. Biya insists his government is working to end the conflict, but rivals continue to criticise his handling of the crisis.Election day and what comes nextSunday’s vote will be a single-round contest, with the candidate receiving the most votes declared the winner. The Constitutional Council has 15 days to announce the result.Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has cautioned candidates against declaring victory prematurely. “Those who attempt to proclaim results or self-declare victory will have crossed the red line,” he warned, promising consequences for violators.As the nonagenarian leader once again asks his nation to trust him, Cameroonians are left to weigh familiarity against fatigue — and decide whether 43 years of rule is enough, or whether, as Biya insists, “the best is still to come.”Read the full article here: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crkjg1n0m02o

Can the world's oldest president keep his title and woo a nation of young voters?

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-14

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Can the world's oldest president keep his title and woo a nation of young voters?

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-14

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