Ok, so... today is officially Election Day in Cameroon.
Although it is supposedly a democratic election, everyone expects Paul Biya, who has been president of Cameroon since 1982, to win. There are 22 opponents, and yet there is no real competition, and thus no real suspense. However, there is tension. The thing is, even though it is "democratic," it is illegal to congregate for anything but, as far as I can see, religion or supporting Biya. I have heard many Cameroonians wish for someone else to be in office, and it is well known that a large portion of people in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon support the idea of secession! I am officially on steadfast, which means I cannot leave my post and need to lay low for awhile, and I have to be ready for directions from the peace corps. The next step, if need be, would be consolidation - which means everyone gathers in small groups. For me, that would mean that 3 other volunteers, whom I barely know, would be coming to stay in my house. There is not yet a guestbed, or even a chair and couch, and my place is a mess, so I am hoping that consolidation remains unneccesary!
We are hoping that everything runs fairly smoothly. I am luckily and grateful to be living in a very calm and safe area. If I were close to Douala, I might have reason to worry, as there was already a gunfight between protestors and police in that area. But, as I said, I live in a very sleepy and tranquil area, and everything should be ok here. I will try to keep you guys updated!
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