7 hours ago43 years in power, world's oldest president seeks eighth term
Periskopi(a year ago)
(a year ago)Cameroon's president, Paul Biya, known as the world's oldest leader in office, has officially declared candidacy for the October 2025 presidential election. At 92 years of age and 43 years in power, Biya intends to further its rule in the Central African country. “be assured that my determination [...]
“Be assured that my determination to serve you coincides with the urgency of the challenges we have before”, he said in a post on the social X network (former-Titter). He added that the decision to run came after the numerous “calls by citizens inside and outside Cameroon.
However, the Biya administration has often been criticised for corruption, mismanagement, misuse of public funds, and lack of ability to manage security challenges. His lack of it in public for more than six weeks last year sparked speculations about his health, including baseless rumors about death.
His candidacy was expected, but it was confirmed only through this post on social networks. Biya has won every election since taking power in 1982, writes A2 CNN. If he wins a seven-year term again, he can stay at the head of state until the age of 99.
In recent months, pressure has increased, both within the country and the international community, with demands to leave the country a new leadership. Challenges for Biya have increased especially after the departure of his key allies from the country's north, including former Prime Minister Belo Bouba Maigari and renowned Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who have already announced their candidacy. Tchiroma declared last month that the Biya administration had “rebutted” citizens' trust, and for that reason it had moved to a rival party, writes A2 CNN.
In addition, other opposition figures, such as Maurice Kamto (strong resort in the 2001 elections), Joshua Osih, Acher Muna and Cabral Libya, have also announced participation in the presidential race.
Despite the challenges, within the ruling party, Cameroon's Democratic People's Movement, there have been constant calls for Biya to run again. In 2008, he changed the constitution and lifted the restrictions on mandates, paving the way for permanent running for the presidency.
The 2018 elections were won by Biya with over 71% of the vote, but were followed by accusations of major manipulation and irregularities by the opposition. With his candidacy declared, the race for the presidency in Cameroon is expected to be more tense than ever. /Periscope/
