Cameroonian President Paul Biya signed a decree on Friday setting the date for the country’s presidential election on October 12, 2025, amid growing speculation and internal disagreements within the government over who will lead the nation in the next phase.
Biya, who is 93 years old, is the world’s oldest serving head of state and has ruled Cameroon since 1983. As the election approaches, conflicting statements have emerged from his administration regarding his potential candidacy. While the government spokesperson said that “all options are on the table,” the Minister of Higher Education insisted that the ruling party’s internal regulations require the current leader to be its candidate—implying Biya’s automatic nomination.
During his decades in power, Biya has made several moves to consolidate his rule. Most notably, in 2008, he pushed through a constitutional amendment removing term limits, allowing him to run indefinitely. He won reelection in 2018 with over 70% of the vote, a result that the opposition widely rejected, alleging widespread electoral fraud and voter manipulation.
Despite his firm grip on power, Biya is often absent from the country for medical treatment abroad. His prolonged absences have fueled frequent rumors about his health, including false reports of his death last year, which forced the government to issue an official denial.
Although two ministers from Biya’s own government have broken ranks and announced their candidacy for the upcoming election, the most prominent challenger remains opposition leader Maurice Kamto, who has been actively touring the country and expanding his political base.
Cameroon now finds itself at a critical political juncture, with uncertainty looming over Biya’s intentions and increasing calls for democratic reforms. Many observers believe the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether the country will move toward genuine political transition or remain under the shadow of Biya’s long-standing rule.
