From 1992 to 2018: Overwhelming voter apathy paving way for CPDM victories

By Daniel D.

Calls for Cameroonians to actively participate in the 2025 presidential elections are intensifying, but concerns remain about voter turnout.

Historically, overwhelming apathy among voters has contributed to victories for President Paul Biya’s Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).

In the 2018 presidential election, despite 6,667,754 registered voters out of a population of approximately 25 million back then, only 3,590,681 cast their ballots, leaving voter apathy at 3,077,073. That is nearly 50 percent.

The CPDM secured over 2.5 million votes, while the opposition managed just over 500,000.

Voter apathy has given the CPDM a firm grip on power, particularly as voters in conflict-affected Anglophone regions have faced challenges in exercising their voting rights, often due to security concerns.

This trend of apathy is not new. Previous elections have seen significant numbers of registered voters abstain from voting.

In 2011, for instance, over 7.2 million people registered, but only close to 5 million voted, leaving a voter apathy figure of over 2.3 million.

Examining the trend from 1992 onwards, voter apathy in Cameroon’s presidential elections has been on the rise.

In 1992, 1,180,239 people registered but did not vote. This number decreased in subsequent elections but rose again in 2011 and peaked in 2018 at 3,077,073 absentee voters.

The looming question now is whether Cameroonians will bring about change in the upcoming elections.

Will they register in large numbers and actually cast their ballots?

The CPDM has historically benefitted from high levels of voter apathy.

In 1992, Paul Biya won with just under 40% of the vote, slightly ahead of the Social Democratic Front (SDF).

Since then, the CPDM has consistently secured landslide victories when voter apathy is high.

As preparations for the 2025 elections gain momentum, Cameroonians are mobilizing more than ever before.

Celebrities, political figures, religious leaders and civil leaders have all called on Cameroonians to massively register and vote in the 2025 elections, where President Paul Biya might be seeking his sixth mandate.

READ MORE: Lady Ponce appeals to young Cameroonians to register on electoral list

The outcome of these elections will not only determine the country’s political future but also reflect the extent to which voter engagement and participation can overcome apathy and effect meaningful change.

©Mimi Mefo Info