Paul Biya, 92, has secured a record eighth consecutive term as Cameroon's president. The country's Constitutional Council declared him the winner with 53.7% of the vote, ahead of former government minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary on 35.2%. The result was never in doubt, and many Cameroonians felt a sense of anti-climax.
Biya's decision to stand for another seven-year mandate, after 43 years in power, has raised eyebrows. His style of governance has been questioned, with critics arguing that he is too distant from the people and that his administration lacks transparency.
Extended stays abroad, often at luxury hotels, have sparked speculation about Biya's actual level of involvement in governance. His regime has also faced criticism for its handling of protests and dissent. In 2016, protests demanding reform were met with repression, and the president was slow to respond.
This time around, Tchiroma's candidacy attracted a wide cross-section of support from different regions and backgrounds. However, his supporters are now expressing frustration and anger at the official result. The security forces have responded to protests in Douala and Garoua, sparking concerns about the country's democratic future.
Biya has become known for being almost a constitutional monarch, rarely calling formal meetings or addressing complex issues publicly. His government is led by capable ministers and officials, but the lack of direction from the president has hindered policy development.
His regime has also shown itself willing to crack down on dissenting voices, detaining critics like Tchiroma in the past. Biya's continued grip on power has raised questions about his ability to connect with a younger generation and address the country's pressing development challenges.
The Cameroon people seem to be tiring of the system that offers them electoral expression but little hope of changing their rulers. The bloody crisis in the anglophone regions has exposed some limits of Biya's approach, which has been described as "semi-authoritarian."
Biya's decision to stand for another seven-year mandate, after 43 years in power, has raised eyebrows. His style of governance has been questioned, with critics arguing that he is too distant from the people and that his administration lacks transparency.
Extended stays abroad, often at luxury hotels, have sparked speculation about Biya's actual level of involvement in governance. His regime has also faced criticism for its handling of protests and dissent. In 2016, protests demanding reform were met with repression, and the president was slow to respond.
This time around, Tchiroma's candidacy attracted a wide cross-section of support from different regions and backgrounds. However, his supporters are now expressing frustration and anger at the official result. The security forces have responded to protests in Douala and Garoua, sparking concerns about the country's democratic future.
Biya has become known for being almost a constitutional monarch, rarely calling formal meetings or addressing complex issues publicly. His government is led by capable ministers and officials, but the lack of direction from the president has hindered policy development.
His regime has also shown itself willing to crack down on dissenting voices, detaining critics like Tchiroma in the past. Biya's continued grip on power has raised questions about his ability to connect with a younger generation and address the country's pressing development challenges.
The Cameroon people seem to be tiring of the system that offers them electoral expression but little hope of changing their rulers. The bloody crisis in the anglophone regions has exposed some limits of Biya's approach, which has been described as "semi-authoritarian."
I mean come on... a record eighth term? What does that even say about Cameroon's democracy? 
43 years is like, forever! You'd think the people would have had enough of Biya by now. He's been known for being kinda outta touch, and now we're worried he's gonna stay there till he's a hundred... 
. Now his supporters are fuming, and rightfully so!
The lack of transparency is a huge issue - how can we trust that he's making decisions in our best interests?
It just goes to show that Biya's regime is all about maintaining power, no matter what. What's next? Another extension? 
he knows what works for him and why not shake things up at his age? plus, the security forces arent exactly gonna go easy on tchiroma just because he won a few votes 
its all about stability and biya's been doing that for decades... even if it means he's out of touch with the average cameroonian 
The people want something more than just empty promises and luxury hotels. Tchiroma's got a good message, but now he's facing backlash from the very people who supported him. 
I wish there was a way for Biya to connect with the younger folks, you know? They're the ones gonna shape Cameroon's future. 
his style of governance is so outdated and out of touch with the people. all these protests and stuff just make me wonder how much longer can cameroon keep living under this "semi-authoritarian" regime 
it feels like hes more interested in his lux hotel vacations than actually ruling the country 
. Security forces cracking down on protesters is never a good sign...
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. As for Biya himself, he's got some experience under his belt, but I think it's true that connecting with younger folks might be tough for him - they're all about change and progress now 
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. It's kinda like he's on autopilot, you know? His style of governance is all about maintaining power, not really thinking about the people's needs. And let's be real, his regime has been pretty ruthless when it comes to dissenting voices 
. I mean, Tchiroma was detained in the past... that's some serious red flag stuff.
. They can vote and all, but at the end of the day, Biya's still the one calling the shots. It's like they're stuck in this limbo where they have some freedom, but not really.
. Cameroon needs real change, not just another seven-year term with a fresh coat of paint.
I guess it's just another example of how hard it is to challenge an established leader.
I hope the security forces don't get too rough with people, that's just not right. 
. Paul Biya's record-breaking win feels like a major setback for the country. 43 years is way too long for one person to hold power 
. The fact that he's more focused on his own comfort (travelling abroad, staying in luxury hotels) than engaging with the people really raises questions about his commitment to change 
. Tchiroma's candidacy was a breath of fresh air, but the way it got shut down by security forces is super concerning 
. We need more leaders who are willing to listen and adapt, not just maintain the status quo.
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. He's been in power for 43 years, and it shows 
. His regime lacks transparency, and his distance from the people is palpable 
Tchiroma's candidacy was actually pretty strong, especially considering he came from a government minister background 
. It's not surprising, though – Biya's regime has been known to crack down on dissenting voices 
Will we see a younger generation rise up and demand change 
️. gotta wonder what the people of cameroon really think about this whole thing... do they feel like their voices are bein heard or not? 