YAOUNDE – A record 81 presidential candidates have now been registered in the Cameroonian elections as they seek to unseat the world’s oldest head of state, 92-year-old President Paul Biya.
Biya, who is 92 years old is seeking reelection for an eighth term in the October 2025 elections. If his bid succeeds, he could near the age of 100 years in power.
The 81 candidates challenging Biya submitted their applications to Cameroon’s national body in charge of organizing elections by the deadline at midnight on Monday, July 21.
The aspirants are however dominated by men. Only seven female candidates are among the 81 applications.
Around 80 percent of the population was born after 1982, when the incumbent first became president, France 24 reported.
Some local media speculated that the number of candidates is an indication of a growing wish for political change from the population, as well as a fracturing of Cameroon’s political landscape.
But without a united opposition, Biya is projected the favorite.
