Senegal recently set an example of holding fair elections by electing a 44-year-old politician as the youngest leader in Africa.
This has sparked discussions in Cameroon about the need for change, as President Paul Biya, who has been in power for over four decades and is now in his 90s, plans to run for re-election. Members of Cameroon’s opposition parties are urging citizens to draw inspiration from Senegal and democratically remove leaders who cling to power.
The opposition emphasizes the importance of registering to vote and actively participating in the election process to choose desired leaders. In contrast to Cameroon, where voter apathy is high due to concerns of election fraud, Senegal’s recent election showed the potential for stopping leaders from holding onto power indefinitely.
Despite challenges in Cameroon, such as government institutions being influenced by the executive branch, there is a growing sentiment among the youth that change is necessary. The opposition believes that Senegal’s example of electing a young president who understands the issues faced by the youth could inspire similar changes in Cameroon.
However, political analysts warn that ousting President Biya in an election may prove difficult due to the entrenched power structure in the country. The upcoming presidential elections in Cameroon will be closely watched as the nation navigates issues of democracy and governance.
