Cameroon will hold its next presidential election on October 12, following a decree issued by President Paul Biya.
While Biya is widely expected to represent the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), the longtime leader has not officially announced whether he will seek another term in office.
Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for nearly 43 years, faces growing uncertainty within his political base.
At 92, he continues to lead the CPDM, the ruling party since the country’s independence in 1960.
However, cracks have begun to appear in the party’s long-standing alliances.
Two prominent political figures who were previously close to Biya have announced their candidacies.
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who recently stepped down as Minister of Employment, will contest under the banner of the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC).
Meanwhile, Bello Bouba Maigari, a former prime minister and one of Biya’s close allies for nearly three decades, has declared his intention to run under the National Union for Democracy and Progress (NUDP).
Both parties had been key supporters of the CPDM for many years, and their leaders’ decisions to stand independently mark a major shift in the country’s political scene.
On the opposition side, Maurice Kamto, who finished second in the 2018 election, is returning to the race.
He is considered one of Biya’s most vocal challengers. Cabral Libii, another well-known opposition figure, will also run under the Cameroonian Party for National Reconciliation (CPNR).
Despite growing dissatisfaction with Biya’s extended rule, the opposition remains fragmented and has yet to agree on a joint candidate.
This division may once again affect their chances at the polls.
Candidates have until July 21 to submit their declarations of intent to run in the upcoming election.