Overview

• President Biya formally declared his candidacy on July 13 for the October 12 vote, aiming to extend his 43-year rule.
• He has governed since 1982 and abolished presidential term limits in 2008 to allow indefinite re-election.
• Rare public appearances and a government ban on discussing his health have intensified doubts about his capacity to govern.
• Defections by long-time ruling coalition allies and multiple opposition figures have produced a fragmented field of challengers.
• Persistent Anglophone separatist violence and Boko Haram incursions continue to test Cameroon’s security and stability.