Cameroonians are voting on Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to extend President Paul Biya's more than four decades in power, despite growing frustration over poverty, conflict, and political stagnation.

At 92, Biya remains the world's oldest head of state and is running for an eighth consecutive term, even as his health and long absence from public life fuel debate about his capacity to govern. His ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) insists he is fit for another mandate. "Our candidate is in great shape ... and he is capable of continuing what he has started," said Labour Minister and CPDM secretary general Grégoire Owona in a radio interview last month.

A total of 11 opposition figures are contesting the vote, but none are seen as serious contenders. The opposition remains divided and weakened by infighting and judicial obstacles. The most prominent challenger, Maurice Kamto, who finished second in 2018, was barred from running after a court ruling, prompting accusations of manipulation.

Fragile ballot

The election takes place amid mounting hardship and instability. Nearly one in three Cameroonians lives below the poverty line, unemployment among young people is widespread, and rising food and fuel costs have deepened the cost-of-living crisis. Meanwhile, the country's long-running conflicts continue to fester, with extremist insurgents active in the Far North and armed separatist movements destabilizing the anglophone North-West and South-West regions.

The separatist crisis, which began in 2017, has killed thousands and displaced more than 700,000 people. Many in the affected regions have vowed to boycott the vote, saying the government has failed to restore peace or address their grievances. Kah Wallah, leader of the Cameroon People's Party and founder of the Stand Up For Cameroon movement, said her organization will not participate in the election. "We still believe it is unconscionable for the Biya regime to go to elections without ensuring the security of citizens in #NOSO," she said, using the common abbreviation for the two anglophone regions.

The Cameroun regime is backed by France, UK , Israel and America because of their neocolonialism interest protected by Paul Biya. This is why the West is protecting the collapse regime by going after Ambazonia leaders like Norway illegally imprisoning Dr Cho Ayaba who is the… pic.twitter.com/RPVMjKez0z

— Amba News Line (@amba_newsline) October 11, 2025

Enduring dynasty

Biya held his only campaign rally on Tuesday in the northern town of Maroua, where he promised to strengthen security, improve infrastructure, and tackle unemployment if re-elected. "I am well aware of the problems that concern you, I know the unfulfilled expectations that make you doubt the future," he told supporters. "Based on my own experience, I can assure you that these problems are not insurmountable."

Despite appeals for renewal, Biya continues to dominate the political scene he has shaped since taking power in 1982. Calls for him to step aside have grown louder in recent months, from the Catholic Archbishop Samuel Kleda, who said it was "not realistic" for him to remain in office, to former allies Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, who defected and launched their own campaigns.

Adding to the controversy, Biya's daughter Brenda briefly posted a TikTok video urging citizens not to vote for her father, saying he "has made too many people suffer." Although she later withdrew the comment, the message went viral and fueled criticism of the president's prolonged rule.

Cameroon's President's daughter, Brenda Biya calls on Cameroonians not to vote for father in the forthcoming election.

92-year-old President Paul Biya is seeking an eighth term in the polls next month. pic.twitter.com/OsaBiRX4W2

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) September 19, 2025

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