What Can Cameroonians Expect from the 2025 Elections?

President Biya, 91, is getting calls by the elite to represent himself for another 7-year term, while the disgruntled population seeks change by ballot, after 42 years under the same leadership.

As Cameroon approaches its 2025 presidential elections, the atmosphere is one of uncertainty, frustration, and cautious hope. President Paul Biya, who has ruled the country for over 40 years, is expected to present himself for another 7-year term despite being almost 92 years old. For many Cameroonians, particularly the youth, this election represents a chance to turn the page on decades of stagnation, but it also raises concerns about the lack of credible alternatives.

President Paul Biya

1. The Persistence of the Status Quo

The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has remained in power since 1982 under President Paul Biya’s leadership. Over the years, the electoral process has been marred by allegations of fraud, voter intimidation, and media bias that heavily favors the ruling party. This has left many Cameroonians feeling as though change through the ballot box is nearly impossible.

Despite these obstacles, the desire for change is palpable, particularly among younger voters who have grown weary of decades of poor governance, corruption, and economic hardship. However, with Biya likely to run once again, the question remains: can this election bring any real shift in the political landscape, or will it simply reinforce the status quo?

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2. Youth Mobilization for Change

A significant and encouraging development ahead of the 2025 elections is the massive mobilization of youth to register as voters. Inspired largely by opposition leaders like Cabral Libii, a vocal advocate for reform and youth empowerment, young Cameroonians are stepping up in unprecedented numbers to make their voices heard at the ballot box. This wave of political engagement signals a desire to vote the ruling party out of power and usher in a new era of governance.

However, despite this enthusiasm, there’s a glaring issue: the lack of a unifying opposition figure. While Cabral Libii and others have motivated young people to register, none of the opposition leaders have yet emerged as a serious contender capable of rallying the majority of Cameroonians behind them. Without a strong, credible candidate to challenge Biya, the risk is that the ruling party could once again prevail by default, despite the growing discontent.

Cabral Libii

3. No Serious Alternative Candidate—Yet

As of December 2024, with less than a year to the October 2025 elections, there is no clear frontrunner within the opposition. This is perhaps the most worrying aspect of the upcoming elections. Cameroonians are eager for change, but they lack a serious, unifying opposition leader who can inspire confidence and galvanize the electorate. Maurice Kamto, leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM), remains a key figure, but doubts about his ability to bring all opposition forces together and lead a viable campaign persist.

Maurice Kamto

The absence of a strong opposition campaign this late in the election cycle is concerning. It suggests that the CPDM may once again face a fragmented opposition, making it easier for Biya to secure another term. For many, the question is not just whether Biya can be defeated, but who—if anyone—can rise to the challenge of uniting the country behind a credible alternative vision for the future.

4. The Anglophone Crisis: A Lingering Problem

The ongoing Anglophone Crisis remains a key issue, particularly in the Northwest and Southwest regions, where separatist movements continue to demand independence from the central government. The conflict has led to widespread violence, displacement, and a deepening divide between the Francophone and Anglophone populations. The government’s handling of the crisis has been widely criticized, and many in the Anglophone regions feel disillusioned with the political process altogether.

For residents of these regions, the 2025 elections may hold little significance unless a meaningful dialogue is initiated to address their grievances. Without a resolution to the crisis, voter turnout in these areas is likely to be low, and the conflict will continue to be a major destabilizing factor for the country.

5. A Young, Frustrated Electorate

Cameroon’s youth make up over 60% of the population, and they are increasingly disillusioned with the state of the nation. Many young people face unemployment, limited access to education, and economic hardships, which have left them feeling disconnected from the political system. However, the youth-led mobilization to register for the 2025 elections shows that this generation is not willing to sit on the sidelines any longer.

Yet, the frustration runs deep. If no credible opposition leader emerges soon, there is a risk that this youthful energy may dissipate, leading to disillusionment or even unrest. The youth represent a critical voting bloc, and any candidate hoping to challenge Biya must address their concerns and offer a concrete plan for improving their future.

6. The Need for Reform

The demand for political reform is growing, both within Cameroon and from the international community. Calls for greater electoral transparency, accountability, and good governance are becoming louder. However, the political system remains deeply entrenched, and meaningful reform may be difficult to achieve without significant pressure from within.

Electoral observers, particularly from international bodies such as the African Union and the European Union, will likely monitor the 2025 elections, but their influence on the outcome remains limited. The hope for many Cameroonians is that this election will at least set the stage for future reforms, even if it does not immediately bring about the change they desire.

Conclusion

The 2025 presidential elections are shaping up to be a critical moment for Cameroon, but there is a strong sense that the country remains stuck at a crossroads. The youth-led mobilization to register as voters is a promising sign of engagement, yet the lack of a clear, credible opposition candidate may undermine these efforts. With no serious campaign underway as of December 2024 and the elections less than a year away, the path to real change remains uncertain.

For many Cameroonians, this election is about more than just replacing Paul Biya—it’s about building a future where their voices are heard, their rights are respected, and their government works for the people. Whether the 2025 elections will mark the beginning of that journey, or simply another chapter in a long story of stagnation, remains to be seen.