Cameroon’s presidential campaign has officially started, with 12 candidates cleared to run ahead of the October 12th election a vote that could either extend or end Paul Biya’s 43 years in power.
Among the challengers is Bello Bouba Maigari, a former tourism minister and one-time ally of Biya. Launching his campaign in Douala, Maigari urged supporters to guard against election fraud. He also unveiled a coalition with two former candidates, Ateki Seta Carson and Akere Muna, who withdrew from the race to back him.
There are growing calls for opposition unity, with pressure mounting on Maigari to form an alliance with another heavyweight contender, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who is expected to officially hit the campaign trail this week. But opposition leaders remain divided over who should lead a single front.
Meanwhile, Cabral Libii, one of the youngest contenders at 45, drew hundreds of supporters at a rally in Douala on Sunday. The former journalist, who finished third in the 2018 election, is pitching himself as the candidate of generational change.
“I’ve only known one president since I was born. It’s time for someone new, someone young like Cabral,” said one supporter at the event.
Close to eight million voters are registered for next month’s polls. President Biya, at 92 years old the world’s oldest head of state, is seeking an eighth term in office.
