Cameroon’s 2025 presidential race heats up as candidates emerge ahead of october vote

The race is expected to be one of the most closely watched in years, as both veteran politicians and new challengers prepare to face off in a highly anticipated election.
The country’s electoral authority, Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), has published the provisional voter list for the upcoming presidential vote.
According to the latest figures, more than eight million citizens have registered—an increase of nearly 400,000 compared to 2024.
This surge in voter registration comes amid mounting pressure from opposition parties and civil society groups calling for greater transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process.
The official opening of the candidacy submission period has sparked a wave of political activity.
Several political parties, along with a number of independent candidates, have already stepped forward to declare their intention to contest the top office.
With President Paul Biya having held power for over four decades, the 2025 election is seen as a defining moment for Cameroon’s future political trajectory.
While the full list of candidates has not yet been confirmed, the early announcements have generated widespread public interest and debate. Many are watching to see whether this election could usher in a new era of leadership or extend the status quo that has defined Cameroonian politics for generations.
The final approved list of candidates is expected to be released in the coming weeks, once ELECAM completes its vetting process. As campaign preparations intensify,
attention now turns to policy platforms, coalition-building efforts, and the role of youth and first-time voters in shaping the outcome of what promises to be a landmark democratic exercise in Cameroon’s history.