YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon — A scandal is brewing in Cameroon following the circulation of a document containing the alleged signatures of those endorsing President Paul Biya for the upcoming presidential election. The list, boasting over 500 signatories, has come under scrutiny after revelations emerged that it includes names of deceased people and some university professors. Some of the professors who were unaware of their inclusion have voiced embarrassment and outrage, some threatening legal action against the orchestrators of the motion.
The contentious document began making rounds on social media in recent days, sparking widespread debate and raising questions about the authenticity of the signatures. The inclusion of deceased persons has particularly alarmed the public, casting doubts on the credibility of those who put it together and the processes behind its compilation.
This incident adds to the growing political tension in Cameroon as the country approaches its presidential election, scheduled for October 2025. President Biya, who has been in power since 1982, has not yet declared his intention to run for an eighth term, but Frank Biya, his son has been sponsoring public campaigns to run. Biya’s prolonged absence from public appearances has fueled speculation about his health. But the government has dismissed rumors regarding the 91-year-old leader’s well-being, with officials asserting that he is in “excellent” health.
The controversy surrounding the endorsement list has intensified discussions about the nation’s political future. The revelation that names were added without consent, including those of dead individuals, suggests an already rigged election if measures are not taken against it. The problem is, who is there to effect such measures? Biya and the CPDM party are the State, nobody can challenge what they decide to do. We recall that during the last presidential elections, the regime flew in fake election observers from Europe and America – they were only exposed after the voting was over.
Legal experts suggest that those whose names have been illegally inserted in the list have grounds to pursue legal remedies against the authors of the document.
The government has yet to issue an official statement addressing the allegations related to the endorsement list. Observers are keenly watching how this issue will unfold and its potential impact on the political landscape ahead of the 2025 presidential election.
