Cameroon's presidential elections to be held in October
August 31, 2011
On October 9, Cameroon citizens will vote to elect a new president. The nation has only seen two presidents since gaining independence in 1960, according to the AFP. Incumbent president Paul Biya has held office since 1982, but opposing parties are calling for him to step down this year. In 2008, the Cameroon government amended the constitution to discontinue the practice of limited presidential terms.
Biya's party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) will converge to vote on their election candidate on September 15 and 16. Reuters reports that Biya is the likely choice, and if this happens, the opposition have promised to seek a court ruling concerning Biya's candidacy.
More than 15 politicians, including two women, have already announced their desire to run for office. Whoever wins the election will hold the position for seven years, until the next elections are held. The CPDM's main opposition, the Social Democratic Front, plans to announce its candidate in September.
People can make calls to Cameroon with international phone cards to discuss politics.