By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Cameroonians voted on Oct. 12 in a presidential election to decide who will become their president for the next seven years.
Across the country and abroad, Cameroonians cast their votes in more than 31,600 polling stations. They choose from among 12 contenders, including incumbent Paul Biya of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) party.
Despite a low turnout in certain polling stations in Yaounde, Cameroonians were seen going to polling stations to exercise their civic rights. At some stations, party representatives were absent, but election observers were present throughout the day.
Political observers say the newly elected president will be expected to work hard to meet the aspirations of Cameroonians, who cite corruption, unemployment, and ongoing national crises as major concerns.
According to the electoral code, election results are expected to be released by the Constitutional Council in or before 15 days after voting.
Even though the electoral code permits the publication of election trends, the Cameroonian Interior Minister has prohibited the publication of any results, stating that only the Constitutional Council is authorized to release them.
