The D-Day of Cameroon’s Presidential Election

Greeting Steemit Family

Finally, we have reached the D-Day of the presidential election in my beloved country, Cameroon. It has been a long and challenging journey for both politicians and citizens as a whole. I have watched the ups and downs throughout the campaign period, and like many Cameroonians, I can only hope that peace will prevail after the results are proclaimed.

The journey to this day has been marked by different stages of progress, depending on how one chooses to look at it. When the election date was first announced, many were surprised that elections would actually take place this year. Several civil society groups and opposition voices had called for a transitional government, arguing that the country was not ready to hold credible elections under the current conditions.

There were also expectations that the sitting president might decide to step aside and allow another member of his party to contest, given his advanced age and long stay in power.

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However, that was not the case. His decision to run again prompted some alliances and political movements to withdraw or to re-strategize, presenting their own candidates for the presidency.

This year’s election feels like a woman who is ten months pregnant, about to give birth, full of tension, uncertainty, and hope. Cameroon is believed to have one of the longest-serving presidents in Africa, and from the mood on the streets, the main concern is not necessarily about the individual but about his age. At over 90 years old, many Cameroonians doubt that he can remain fully active in leading the affairs of the country for another seven years.

On the other hand, the ruling party continues to defend his candidacy, arguing that age brings wisdom and experience, and that the president still has a vision to complete for Cameroon. This argument resonates with the traditional mindset of many elders who believe leadership is earned through seniority. However, at a certain age, one becomes more of a symbolic figure than an active leader. That is the debate currently shaping the political landscape of the country.

The past few weeks have been filled with intense campaigning across the nation. Now, it is up to Cameroonians to make their choice through the ballot box. I sincerely hope that my fellow citizens will act responsibly, exercise their civic duty peacefully, and ensure that their votes are counted properly at the close of the polling stations. Above all, may peace, unity, and progress prevail in Cameroon after this historic election.

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Cheers
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@fombae