Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, 91, has announced his intention to run for re-election in 2026, seeking an eighth term that would extend his 42-year rule to 49 years. This move has sparked outrage among opposition politicians, who argue that Biya’s advanced age and long tenure threaten the country’s democratic process.
The election delay from 2025 to 2026 is seen as an attempt to favor Biya, who would be 100 years old by the end of his new mandate. Opposition politicians fear that Biya’s continued rule will stifle democracy, restrict opposition voices, and hinder effective leadership due to his age.
The decision has raised concerns about the electoral process’s integrity and sparked widespread criticism about the future of democracy in Cameroon.
