As of early February, at least 25 lawmakers had surpassed 100,000 subscribers, the threshold required to receive YouTube’s “silver play button.” It has become an unlikely status symbol in politics , in the country and a way to appeal to the grassroots.

Most of the lawmakers with silver play buttons are from liberal or left-leaning parties, though several conservatives have also built sizable audiences. Subscriber numbers appear to depend less on seniority and more on timing, messaging style and online engagement.

YouTube allows politicians to communicate unfiltered, respond quickly to controversies and mobilise younger voters who consume news primarily online. Lawmakers can livestream debates, post commentary and shape narratives without relying on mainstream broadcasters.

However, politicians have been cautioned that online popularity does not always reflect public support or voting .

He called on longtime incumbent President Paul Biya, who has been in power for 43 years and is seeking an eighth term, to concede defeat and facilitate a peaceful handover of power. “Call the winner, congratulate them, and notify them of your willingness to organise a smooth transition,” Bakary urged, warning that failure to do so could trigger “upheavals and convulsions” in the country.

Bakary also cautioned against the announcement of what he described as “falsified and truncated results,” saying Cameroonians would reject any form of electoral manipulation or ballot stuffing.

The opposition leader further encouraged Cameroonians to remain united and resilient, insisting that “the international community and neighbouring countries will not intervene” in the country’s political transition.

The nation now awaits the official results from the Constitutional Council, which alone is empowered to declare the winner of the presidential election.