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| Paul Biya on the left and Issa Tchiroma Bakary on the right. |
Election Day in Cameroon: 12 October 2025 — A Pivotal Moment with High Stakes
On 12 October 2025, Cameroon held its presidential election — an event that many observers viewed as a test of the country’s political resilience, institutional integrity, and the appetite for change. What unfolded on that day — and in the subsequent hours — reveals much about Cameroon’s contemporary political landscape. Below is a narrative-style blog post reflecting on election day: its hopes, tensions, challenges, and implications.
Morning: Quiet Tension, High Expectations
As dawn broke across Cameroonian cities, towns, and rural polling precincts, there was an overarching sense of cautious optimism. Voters queued early, many hoping this election would bring real change after decades of entrenched leadership. But that hope was tempered by deep skepticism — many wondered whether the playing field was fair.
Paul Biya, now 92, has been at the helm since 1982, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. Because of his advanced age, recurring medical travel, and infrequent public appearances, many Cameroonians expressed doubts about how actively he would govern.
Yet, critics and opposition figures faced significant headwinds in mounting a strong challenge. Earlier, the Constitutional Council had ratified the exclusion of Maurice Kamto, a major opposition figure, from the ballot — a move that drew sharp criticism from civil society and human rights groups.
Still, a newly prominent opposition candidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, had managed to energize parts of the electorate, particularly in the northern regions, Western, Northwest and Litoral, presenting a narrative of renewal from within the system.
Midday: Voting, Atmosphere & Constraints
By mid-afternoon, polling stations across Cameroon were active. Voters in Yaoundé, Douala, Garoua, and smaller localities cast ballots — some under heightened security, especially in anglophone regions where the separatist conflict remains unresolved.
Observers and analysts noted several recurring challenges:
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Limited opposition space: With Kamto out, many opposition-aligned citizens felt their options were constrained.
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Control over state machinery: The ruling party’s entrenched presence in administrative and electoral institutions raised fears about biased oversight.
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Security tensions: In some parts, especially the Northwest and Southwest, voter turnout was impacted by ongoing separatist violence and intimidation. A SHOCK that CPDM won with 5000 votes in Bafut and Batibo but no up to 50 voters were seen around the polling station that day.
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Youth apathy & scepticism: A generation that has largely known only Biya’s rule expressed frustration, with many planning to abstain or vote passively.
Still, in some precincts, turnout was respectable, and people spoke about the dignity of casting their vote — even if many did so with tempered expectations.
Evening: Vote Counting Begins, Uncertainty Looms
By evening, preliminary reports trickled in and national vote counting began. The incumbent, Biya, was widely expected to prevail, given the structural advantages his regime held — control of the state apparatus, regional political networks, and a divided opposition.
Nevertheless, analysts cautioned against writing off surprises, especially considering Tchiroma’s momentum in certain regions.
Cameroon’s Constitutional Council had up to 14 days (i.e. by 26 October) to validate and announce the final results.
Reflections: What Made This Day Significant
1. Continuity vs. change
This election was less about whether Paul Biya would continue (that outcome was widely anticipated) and more about how competitive the contest could become, how much meaningful opposition presence could be asserted, and whether civil society and international observers could demand legitimacy standards.
2. Institutional trust tested
The exclusion of a major opponent and concerns about electoral fairness meant that trust in the electoral commission, courts, and security forces was under unprecedented strain.
3. Youth & generational expectations
With a median age of roughly 18, Cameroon’s youth were in many ways the silent majority. Their frustration, combined with limited options, might shape civic dynamics long after election day.
4. Geopolitical and domestic challenges
The backdrop of anglophone conflict, economic stagnation, security threats in the Far North from jihadist infiltration, and rising cost of living gave urgency to the question: can the next president (old or new) deliver real governance?
Looking Forward: What to Watch Post-Election
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Credibility and legitimacy: How the constitutional authorities, courts, and international observers respond to contested results will influence whether the winner can govern credibly.
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Opposition strategy: Even under constrained conditions, how opposition parties, civil society, and citizens react (peaceful protests, legal challenges, political realignment) could shape the post-election balance.
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Youth engagement: Whether younger Cameroonians stay apathetic or begin mobilizing politically around issues (governance, jobs, freedoms) will be key for Cameroon’s future.
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Stability vs unrest: Given the tensions in Anglophone regions and security issues in the North, any perception of fraud or exclusion could spark unrest.
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Policy deliverables: Infrastructure, education, health, security — the incoming authority (or continuing one) will be judged on whether it can make tangible improvements.
Election day in Cameroon on 12 October 2025 was more than a procedural moment; it was a barometer of the country’s willingness to confront the challenges of continuity, accountability, and citizen empowerment. Whether real change emerges from this cycle or whether the status quo is reinforced again will be a defining question for Cameroon in the years ahead.
About 90% of Cameroonian youth wants a change without Paul Biya. Even though election malpractice were witnessed in almost all the regions coming from CPDM, many still believe that Issa Tchiroma Bakary will emerge the winner.
