Cameroon’s leader sets the next presidential election for October without saying if he will run
Associated PressJUL 9
Cameroon Sets Presidential Election for Oct. 12
Above: Cameroon President Paul Biya and his wife Chantal at the 51st Unity Day in Yaoundé on May 20, 2023. Image copyright: AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This election represents a critical opportunity for democratic renewal in Cameroon after decades of authoritarian and personalist rule. That longtime allies have defected signals growing dissatisfaction with Biya's leadership and creates space for genuine political competition. Democratic institutions must be strengthened to ensure free and fair elections.
Establishment-critical narrative
Strong centralized leadership has provided stability and development in many African contexts, and Cameroon is no exception. The country faces challenges that require experienced governance rather than political upheaval. All too often, Western-style democracy breeds division and instability in African societies that traditionally value consensus and communal decision-making over electoral competition.