By Nfor Hanson Nchanji in collaboration with Alvine Lontum and Hans Ngala
A second poll conducted by Cameroon News Agency on the presidential election in Cameroon revealed that most Cameroonians prefer opposition leader and president of the National Salvation Front of Cameroon, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, to be the coalition leader.
Out of a sample size of 1045 people who completed the survey between September 29- October 5, 2025, a clear majority (75%) of respondents view Issa Tchiroma as the best person to unite and lead an opposition coalition, with Joshua Osih a distant second at 12%. The remaining candidates each attract minimal support, underscoring a high concentration of preference around Tchiroma’s leadership.
The chart shows nearly half (49%) of respondents confident that a single opposition could defeat President Biya, while about 39% doubt it. Roughly 13% remain undecided. This suggests a divided but hopeful electorate, where unity among opposition parties could be a key factor influencing voter turnout and expectations. Previously 75% said the main opposition leader is Issa Tchiroma Babary. Going by this, 49% of respondents think that the main opposition leader could likely beat incumbent Paul Biya.
Civil Liberties: How worried are you about reports of government attempts to silence opposition voices ahead of the election? Some 964 (92%) out of 1045 said they are very worried about government crackdown on the opposition, days to the elections in Cameroon. Only 3% said they were not too worried while another 3% were undecided and 2% not worried. This shows that Cameroonians are aware that there will be some government opposition towards the opposition candidates. This variable has been observed already with civil administrators barring opposition from organizing their rallies in certain designated areas.
Voter Participation: What would motivate you to vote on October 12? Going by the results of this variable, Cameroonians just want change, out of 1045, 390 ( 37%) said they will vote if there will be a change in leadership: Some 318 (30.43) said they will only vote if there is a credible candidate. 290 (27.75) people said they will only vote if Paul Biya wasn’t running again, while 47 people (4.5%) said if there is improved security on the ground.
Corruption & Governance: How important is the fight against corruption in your choice of candidate?Nearly three-quarters of respondents say that fighting corruption is very important in their choice of candidate. Another one in four voters are less focused on anti-corruption efforts and more on simply seeing a change in power. This underscores that integrity and accountability remain top voter priorities in the upcoming election.
Peace & Security: How should the next president approach peace in the Northwest and Southwest regions — dialogue, decentralization, or a return to the two-state federation? Majority of respondents, 692 (66.22%) out of 1045, say the new president of Cameroon should take the country back to two state-federation. Meanwhile 287 (27.46) think that only dialogue will end the conflict and bring peace in the NWSW regions. 66 people (6.22%) said decentralization is the only option for peace to return.
Economy: What economic reforms or job-creation strategies do you most want to see from the next administration? Majority, 46.46% say the new president should cut off taxes on small businesses to boost the economy. While 43.43% said there should be diversification of the economy. 11.11% said there should be more government recruitment.
Infrastructure: What is the single most urgent infrastructure project you expect the next president to prioritize? An overwhelming 84% of respondents want the next president to prioritize road construction, showing how critical transportation remains across Cameroon. Only small portions highlight electricity (8%), communication networks (5%), and water supply (2%), suggesting that poor road infrastructure is perceived as the main barrier to development.
During the first poll, majority of voters said they prefer Maurice Kamto as opposition main challenger, but his file was invalidated by the election management body, ELECAM and the Constitutional Council.
95% of respondents said they do not want Paul Biya to run again, but he eventually ran. The two polls show consistency in the wants and needs of Cameroonians. They want an opposition leader to win and change of government from the Biya era to a new era. They need good roads, viable economy and cut down in taxes.
