Cameroon 2025: Why Cameroonian youths hold power to cause change
By Nfor Hanson Nchanji
The 2025 presidential elections in Cameroon present a significant opportunity for young Cameroonians to shape the nation’s future. There is a general voter apathy in Cameroon, especially among youths, and those interested in politics are easily pulled by the majority ruling party that has been in power since independence.
According to Worldometer, Cameroon’s median age is 18, unfortunately, this is not the voting age in Cameroon. While most countries have 18 as the legal voting age, Cameroon still has 20. This has played an important role in the political landscape of the country.
The youth, therefore, constitute a substantial portion of Cameroon’s population. Their collective vote holds immense potential to influence election outcomes in October 2025. If they want to the leadership of the country and despite dissenting voices about vote rigging, youths in Cameroon can directly impact the selection of leaders and the direction of national policy.
This is why they need to act now
Young Cameroonians face unique challenges, including high unemployment, limited access to quality education, and restricted opportunities for economic advancement. Voting allows them to advocate for policies that address these concerns, such as job creation programs, educational reforms, and initiatives that support youth entrepreneurship.
But it seems they are too comfortable with what they have. There is indeed no way a Cameroonian will protest today and not get arrested. But the bigger truth is that if all these youths decided to make a sanctioned vote against the incumbent in October 2025, then the deal will be done.
Let me explain, Cameroon’s political landscape has seen calls for change, and youth can be a powerful catalyst for this. They can do this by participating in the electoral process, thereby contributing to greater transparency, accountability, and good governance. Of course, these are big words, right? But have you ever thought of a sanction vote? a situation where there is a massive vote for the opposition, such that rigging will be too hard to make? Yes, this is what I am talking about.
The decisions made in the 2025 elections will have long-term consequences for our future. Young people should have a vested interest in ensuring that their voices are heard and that the nation’s path aligns with their aspirations. Their participation can help to create a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for Cameroon.
Breaking the cycle of apathy
It is very important to break the cycle of voter apathy. Especially with the youth. We must participate in the electoral process and not sit at home, cross our legs, and say “if I vote, he will still win, if I do not vote, he’ll still win”. ( He here refers to incumbent President Paul Biya)
When we talk about change, some youths living in abject poverty who need the change more than the campaigner will open their eyes and tell you that, you are talking because you are in the Diaspora, “Why are you not in Cameroon”? some will ask, others will say, “come down here and face the heat”
It is true that things are a bit hard, but I have not seen a situation where the government is asking people not to register or not to vote, so why not register massively and give a antioned vote?
Well, with this mentality, things cannot change, you have no issue with the campaigner but with octogenrians who have ruled your country for more than four decades and still showing no sign of leaving. You have issues with those who have refused to tarr your roads, provide basic amenities , health care among others.
The game has not been lost; do not be fooled or frightened by the self-aggrandizement of the ruling CPDM party. The truth is that, after 42 years in power, Cameroon needs a change- a new beginning with fresh ideas, and youths have the power to make that change.
Are we together?
