Cameroon’s Presidential Race Kicks Off Amid Cautious Optimism
Cameroon’s Presidential Race Kicks Off Amid Cautious Optimism
The presidential campaign kicked off on Saturday in a low-key setting, highlighted by one candidate challenging a separatist-imposed lockdown, another working on forming a coalition, and the notable absence of both the long-standing incumbent and a key opposition leader. This has set up an intense electoral battle ahead.
In the tense city of Bamenda, Social Democratic Front (SDF) candidate Joshua Osih kicked off his campaign despite a lockdown imposed by separatists.
He presented himself as the candidate most capable of resolving the nearly decade-long security crisis in the English-speaking regions.
“No other candidate is as familiar with the North-West and South-West regions as I am,” Osih declared, promising to make peace a priority from the very start of his term if elected.
Forming alliances and assured backers
In the capital city of Yaoundé, candidate Bello Bouba Maigari commenced his campaign with a more subdued event. He was accompanied by Ateki Sexta Carson, one of 11 other candidates who withdrew from the race to endorse him.
“I am especially happy to stand before you today as a candidate,” Maigari declared, revealing a strengthened and united front.
His supporters voiced unwavering confidence, with Marie Jeanne Abega stating, “We have groomed President Bello for the pinnacle of leadership in the Republic… he has assumed power and is set to become Cameroon’s third President.”
An unseen incumbent and an absent opponent
The campaign for the ruling party also kicked off without its candidate, 89-year-old incumbent Paul Biya, who was not present.
Even though he remained unseen, his supporters—especially the youth—argued that after 43 years in power, he is still the country’s best hope.
Meanwhile, a significant absence from the opposition was prominent candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary; his team announced that they are finalizing his program for release this week.
With only 13 days left, all candidates are pressed to persuade nearly 8 million registered voters nationwide.
