The countdown is on for Cameroon’s big election on October 12, and this time, it’s anyone’s game to change the script after President Paul Biya’s staggering 43-year rule. The campaign kicked off with fireworks, literally and figuratively. One of Biya’s ex-allies, Bello Bouba Maigari, launched his bid with a rally in Douala, challenging voters to keep a sharp eye on the vote count and reject fraud. He’s banking on real change coming from the people – if they band together as its protectors. Adding a twist, two candidates, Ateki Seta Carson and Akere Muna, stepped down to back Maigari, creating a coalition that could shake things up. Meanwhile, another strong contender, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, is set to jump into the race, and calls are growing louder for opposition unity – though agreeing on a single candidate remains a headache.
On the youth and fresh energy front, hundreds flocked to support Cabral Libii in Douala. At 45, the former journalist is one of the youngest candidates and came third in 2018. His supporters are loud and clear: “We want someone new – we want Cabral.”
With around 8 million voters registered and Biya, at 92, eyeing an eighth term as the world’s oldest sitting president, this election promises drama, tension, and maybe, just maybe, a historic shakeup.
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