Opposition Aims To End Paul Biya’s 43-Year Rule As Presidential Race Begins In Cameroon

Paul Biya, Cameroon’s leader, holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest sitting president.

The official start of Cameroon’s presidential campaign took place on Saturday, with 12 initial contenders vying for position before voting day on 12 October. The electoral outcome could either prolong or conclude Paul Biya’s 43-year tenure in office.

One of the challengers hoping to unseat the veteran president is his former political partner Bello Bouba Maigari.

The previous tourism minister initiated his campaign through a rally held in Douala.

“Monitor the vote counting process. Reject any fraud. Don’t let your victory be stolen. Real change will come from the people, and no one will be able to stop it if you stand as its guardian,” Maigari told supporters.

At the gathering, Maigari introduced two former presidential hopefuls, Ateki Seta Carson and Akere Muna, who have exited the competition and established a coalition with him.

This development occurs amid widespread appeals for a united front between Maigari and the race’s other prominent challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, whose campaign team has indicated he will begin campaigning this week.

Related: Samuel Eto’o Punishes Staff Of Cameroonian FA That Showed Up Late For Work

Opposition figures acknowledge the importance of rallying around one candidate, yet they face difficulty reaching consensus on the individual.

In Douala on Sunday, hundreds gathered to demonstrate their backing for Cabral Libii, among the youngest contenders running. The 45-year-old former prominent journalist secured third place in the 2018 presidential contest.

“We want a new person as head of state because since I was born, I have only known one president,” stated a Libii supporter told Africanews.

“For once, we need someone new, a young person like Cabral, that’s why I support him. I support his initiative.”

Approximately 8 million voters have completed registration for the forthcoming election. The sitting president Paul Biya is pursuing an eighth term in office.

At 92 years of age, he holds the title of the world’s oldest president.