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Cameroon Presidential Election Poll Reveals Strong Opposition to Biya’s Eighth Term
By Hans Ngala and Alvin Lontum | Edited by Nfor Hanson Nchanji
Groundbreaking Survey Exposes Voter Sentiments Ahead of Crucial Election
A comprehensive global survey conducted by Cameroon News Agency (CNA) has uncovered striking political realities as the nation prepares for its October presidential election. The study, encompassing 473 respondents across 26 countries, paints a picture of profound democratic discontent and cautious electoral hope.
Overwhelming Rejection of Biya’s Candidacy
The most dramatic finding reveals near-unanimous opposition to President Paul Biya’s potential eighth term. A staggering 95.35% of respondents (451 individuals) rejected the 92-year-old leader’s continuation in office, with only 1.27% supporting his candidacy.
Electoral Integrity Concerns Dominate Voter Anxieties
When examining electoral concerns, the data reveals deep systemic distrust:
- 31% cited electoral fraud as primary concern
- 23% fear lack of transparency in vote counting
- 18% highlighted media restrictions
- 15% worried about voter intimidation
Remarkably, zero respondents claimed to have no concerns about the electoral process.
Anglophone Political Preferences Emerge
The survey probed specific interest in Anglophone leadership, with 57% supporting an English-speaking president. Among potential candidates:
| Candidate | Support |
|---|---|
| Joshua Osih | 140 votes |
| Akere Muna | 105 votes |
| Other candidates | Combined 28 votes |
Broader Political Landscape
Overwhelming Demand for New Leadership
When asked about desiring new leadership, responses were emphatic:
- 438 respondents (93%) strongly agreed
- Only 5 strongly disagreed
Opposition Coalition Seen as Crucial
The survey revealed near-consensus on opposition unity:
- 92% believe coalition-building is very important
- Only 8% consider it unimportant
Electoral System Distrust
Confidence in electoral institutions appears critically low:
- 59% expressed no confidence whatsoever
- Only 4% reported being “very confident”
Voter Engagement Patterns
Registration Versus Participation
Despite systemic concerns, voter engagement remains surprisingly strong:
- 78% reported being registered to vote
- 53% said they’re likely to vote
- 36% expressed unlikely participation
Geographical Distribution
Respondent origins showed significant regional variation:
- Northwest Region: 253 respondents (most politically engaged)
- Southwest Region: 125 respondents
- International respondents: 75 across 25 countries
Candidate Popularity Contest
Beyond regional preferences, overall candidate favorability showed:
- Maurice Kamto: 44% support (206 votes)
- Undecided: 22% (104 votes)
- Joshua Osih: 15% (69 votes)
Conclusion: A Nation at Political Crossroads
The CNA survey reveals a Cameroon caught between democratic aspiration and institutional distrust. While 95% reject Biya’s continued rule and 92% demand opposition unity, the 78% voter registration rate suggests enduring faith in electoral change.
As political analyst Dr. Ambe Ngwa observes: “These numbers don’t just reflect dissatisfaction—they show citizens strategically engaging with flawed systems while demanding better. The real test comes in whether opposition parties can transform this public mandate into effective coalition-building.”
With the October election approaching, Cameroon faces a defining moment—will this groundswell for change translate into political transformation, or will systemic barriers maintain the status quo? The electorate has spoken clearly; now the political class must respond.
For complete methodology and regional breakdowns, see the full CNA report.
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