Presidential Election in Cameroon This Sunday: Incumbent Paul BIYA, 42 Years in Power, Seeks New Term

More than eight million registered voters participated in Cameroon's presidential election to elect a new head of state. According to observers, election day took place in a serene atmosphere. Several representatives from various supervision and observation organizations attested to the voting atmosphere, confirming that the security and respect for voters' rights were guaranteed in Yaoundé, Douala, among other places. Marred by numerous irregularities Local and international press noted that voters experienced serious difficulties finding their polling stations, where their names were registered on the electoral rolls. With twelve candidates in the running, these elections are expected to mark a decisive turning point in the lives of the population, which has a very high percentage of young people. Among the candidates vying for the presidency is incumbent President Paul Biya. Aged 92, he is perceived as one of the strongest favorites. Considered a surprising element in this Sunday's presidential election in Cameroon, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 72, had decided last June to submit his resignation. However, he had joined the opposition after twenty years within the presidential fold. Maurice Kamto, a fierce opponent of President Paul Biya, who came in second in the 2018 presidential elections, saw his candidacy rejected. This decision was made by the Cameroonian Constitutional Council. The socio-economic situation in Cameroon Beyond Paul Biya's 43 years of governance, a considerable percentage of Cameroonians feel disillusioned with the establishment of the Biya system. With an unemployment rate estimated at 35% today in the largest cities, the population faces a high cost of living. Furthermore, access to drinking water, healthcare, and quality education is very difficult. In recent months, opposition actors have capitalized on issues deemed crucial, despite the high level of frustration expressed across media and social networks. Some internationally renowned organizations, notably Human Rights Watch (HRW), express strong concern regarding the credibility of the electoral process, generating enthusiasm among the opposition, which is determined to win the election. Between frustration and political tension, a large part of the Cameroonian population has lived since 1982 under the Biya era, during which he consistently won elections with over 70% of the vote. Late Sunday afternoon, October 12, polling stations immediately proceeded with vote counting, awaiting the publication of results. Jacques Innocent