### Cameroon: A Brief Dialogue with Crucial Issues
Cameroon is in a particularly delicate electoral dynamic, where every word of President Paul Biya, who has reigned since 1982, and every gesture of the opposition are scrutinized with attention. The recent meeting, although brief, between the Head of State and Toïmano Ndam Njoya, the President of the Democratic Union of Cameroon (UDC), sheds light on crucial issues that transcend the immediate framework of national politics.
#### A Mysterious Exchange
The fact that this discussion of a few minutes was broadcast live on television, testifies to the importance given to transparency, even if the content seems to have raised more questions than answers. Toïmano Ndam Njoya, in his press release, articulated fundamental concerns regarding the electoral process. She highlighted the need for a shared and credible system, which raises the question of the credibility of electoral institutions in Cameroon, often accused of bias.
Electoral management in Africa, and in Cameroon in particular, continues to raise concerns. The perception of a “fragile democracy” is reinforced by electoral systems deemed non-inclusive. According to the report of the World Elections Organization, only 50% of African countries can boast of free and transparent elections. This picture is all the more alarming in view of political interference, as evidenced by the rate of disillusioned voters which reached 48% during the last elections.
#### Paul Biya: Between Constitution and Authority
Paul Biya’s response to the bishops’ statements on his potential as a candidate in the 2025 elections was just as dense with innuendo. By emphasizing that the criteria for candidacy for the presidency were “constitutional”, he underlines the preponderant role of the judicial institutions over ecclesiastical opinions. This nevertheless raises a fundamental question: to what extent is the Constitution respected, and by whom?
Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index report places Cameroon 139th in the world. This raises questions about the impartiality of the jurisdiction and the electoral process. Paul Biya, as an emblematic figure of a consolidated political system, often seems to emerge as the guardian of a Constitution that, in fact, can be manipulated at will to serve political interests.
#### Reactions from Civil Society
The recent statements by bishops, which Toïmano Ndam Njoya cited in his presentation, show a growing commitment by civil society to become more involved in the political debate. This dynamic highlights a phenomenon of politicization of the clergy and represents a significant evolution of the Cameroonian social fabric. However, the divide between religious and political figures is not new. It is reminiscent of debates around the respective roles of religious and state institutions in civic spheres in other African countries.
### An Uncertain Electoral Future
As the 2025 presidential election approaches, Cameroon’s political landscape seems more than ever torn between tradition and the aspiration for change. The active role of civil society organizations, as well as that of opposition parties, will be crucial in shaping an electoral system that aspires to guarantee democratic legitimacy.
The second elections of 2025 will not only have to focus on voter turnout, but also on trust in the process. Recent figures indicate that in 2025, nearly 60% of young Cameroonians could vote for the first time, intensifying the need for a more inclusive and transparent approach. The outcome of the elections will largely depend on the ability of institutions to adapt to the demands of a population demanding rights and representation.
#### In Conclusion
This short exchange between Biya and Ndam Njoya may, at first glance, seem insignificant; however, it is part of a pivotal moment for Cameroon. An opportunity presents itself to redefine what politics really is in terms of transparency and impartiality, inheriting a complex political history. The expectations of the youth, the repercussions of religious commitment and the vigilance of civil society make this a landscape to watch closely. This divide will undoubtedly be one of the determining factors that will shape the political future of Cameroon in the years to come.