The United Nations has called on the government of Cameroon to guarantee free, fair, and transparent elections as concerns mount over President Paul Biya’s bid for an eighth term in office.
During a bi-weekly press briefing in Geneva on Tuesday, Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, warned of “rising restrictions on the activities of opposition political parties in the lead up to the election,” citing the banning of certain gatherings, the exclusion of political figures from the race, and irregularities in voter registration.
The 92-year-old Biya, who has led Cameroon since 1982, announced in July that he would seek re-election, ending speculation that he might step aside. As Cameroon’s second president since its independence from France in 1960, Biya is Africa’s second-longest-serving leader, after Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea.
Biya’s extended rule has faced widespread criticism and challenges, including allegations of corruption, violent separatist movements in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, and clashes with security forces that have displaced thousands and shut down schools. The country has also grappled with spillover attacks by the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram from neighbouring Nigeria.
Despite persistent rumours about his ill health and even death, which the government publicly denied last year, Biya remains determined to extend his more than four decades in power.
In the 2018 election, he secured victory with over 70% of the vote in a contest marred by irregularities, low voter turnout, and ongoing separatist and jihadi violence. The UN has urged Cameroonian authorities to ensure a level playing field ahead of the upcoming poll.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
About the Author
