Presidential Elections 2025: Survey Reveals What Cameroonians Really Want from Their Next President

As Cameroon prepares for the 2025 presidential election, the nation is abuzz with anticipation and expectation. Citizens from all walks of life eagerly await the opportunity to elect a new leader who can address the country's pressing challenges and propel it towards a brighter future. 

Peace and Security: A Top Priority

The survey results are unequivocal: peace and security are critical concerns for Cameroonians. The ongoing Anglophone crisis and the threat of Boko Haram terrorism have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear, making it imperative for the next president to prioritize peacebuilding and security. According to the survey, 75% of respondents believe that resolving the Anglophone crisis is crucial for the country's stability and progress.

Governance and Infrastructure: A Call for Reform

The survey also highlights the need for good governance and infrastructure development. Cameroonians are fed up with corruption, tribalism, and poor leadership, which have hindered the country's progress for far too long. According to the survey, 45% of respondents believe that governance issues, including term limits, rotatory presidency, and electoral reforms, are critical challenges that need to be addressed. Additionally, 37.5% of respondents cited corruption and mismanagement as significant concerns.

Economic Development: A Key to Unlocking Opportunities

Economic development is another critical area that Cameroonians expect their next president to focus on. The survey shows that 31.25% of respondents believe that youth unemployment is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Citizens are eager for a leader who can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce poverty.

Voter Expectations and Sentiments

Voters are highly issue-oriented and skeptical, demanding specific, realistic, and credible plans—especially around peace and governance. They want a president who can provide solutions to the Anglophone crisis, promote economic development, and demonstrate integrity, capacity, credibility, and honesty. However, respondents expressed low confidence in the 2025 elections, citing distrust in ELECAM and the Constitutional Council, fear of electoral fraud and state repression, and a need for international observers and reforms.

Demographic Insights

The survey respondents represent an older, educated, and economically varied demographic, possibly politically conscious and active. The majority (67%) are 41–60 years old, and 37.5% earn over FCFA 200,000/month.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

The survey paints a vivid picture of national urgency. Cameroonians, especially in Anglophone regions, feel neglected, insecure, and disillusioned. There's a collective plea for peace, transparent electoral reforms, decentralized and accountable governance, and youth empowerment and economic revitalization. To address these concerns, the survey recommends launching urgent peace negotiations, undertaking electoral reforms, promoting inclusive political participation, and supporting opposition alliance-building.

Conclusion

The 2025 presidential elections in Cameroon present an opportunity for citizens to shape their country's future and elect a leader who can address their pressing challenges. The survey conducted by The Colbert Factor provides valuable insights into the minds of Cameroonians, revealing what they truly desire from their next president. By prioritizing peacebuilding, good governance, economic growth, and integrity, the next president can build a brighter future for all Cameroonians.

Public Disclosure: We created the questionnaire for this survey using KoBoToolbox, and we analyzed the responses with the help of ChatGPT. Additionally, 90% of this story was written with assistance from Meta AI. As we call for accountability from our leaders and public officials, we believe it is essential to be transparent with our readers about the methods and tools we use.

Colbert Gwain @The Colbert Factor