By A.J.
Cameroon’s youth are driving a strong wave of enthusiasm that strongly contrasts historical reports of apathy and political indifference, as the country approaches the 2025 presidential election.
Across all 10 regions, thousands of young Cameroonians have been turning out at ELECAM offices to collect their voter’s cards, with queues reported in cities such as Yaoundé, Douala, Bamenda, Buea, and Garoua.
Social media has been flooded with photos and videos of young voters proudly displaying their newly collected cards, accompanied by hashtags like #MyVoteCounts, #Change2025, and #NewCameroon.
Many have expressed a sense of duty and optimism, describing the election as a crucial opportunity to influence the nation’s future.
The level of engagement among young voters marks a significant shift from the apathy that often characterized previous elections.
In several ELECAM offices, officials have noted higher-than-usual turnout among first-time voters, many of them university students and young professionals eager to take part in the electoral process.
With more than 60 percent of Cameroon’s population under the age of 35, it is safe to say that youth participation could play a decisive role in determining the outcome of this year’s polls.
The surge in registration and card collection suggests a generation increasingly aware of its political power.
The enthusiasm has been further fueled by the promise of change after 43 years of President Paul Biya’s rule, a period marked by widespread frustration over unemployment, corruption, poor infrastructure, and limited opportunities.
The country’s major opposition figures, including Cabral Libii, Joshua Osih and now Issa Tchiroma Bakary have also placed youth participation at the heart of their campaigns, urging young people to take ownership of the electoral process.
Beyond the rallies and online campaigns, this movement of civic awakening reflects a bigger desire for accountability.
Whether this energy will translate into record voter turnout remains to be seen, but the signs are clear, young Cameroonians are more engaged, more vocal, and more determined than ever to shape the outcome of the 2025 presidential election.
