More than 80 individuals have formally submitted their candidacies for Cameroon’s highest office, according to a statement released Tuesday by the country’s electoral commission, Elections Cameroon (Elecam).
The preliminary list includes some of the most prominent figures in Cameroonian politics. Incumbent President Paul Biya, who has ruled since 1982, is once again among the applicants.
He is set to face renewed challenges from key opposition leaders, including Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement and Joshua Osih of the Social Democratic Front.
Also among the contenders are two former cabinet ministers and longtime allies of President Biya — Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari — both of whom are vying for the presidency as independent candidates this year.
According to Elecam, the crowded field features seven female candidates and 26 independents, marking one of the most diverse slates in the nation’s political history. Analysts suggest the unusually high number of applicants could reflect both a growing appetite for political change and frustration with the status quo.
“The final list of qualified candidates will be made public 60 days before election day,” Elecam stated, noting that each application is subject to a thorough vetting process to ensure compliance with legal and constitutional requirements.
Cameroon’s presidential election is scheduled for October 12, 2025. The vote comes at a time of mounting economic pressures, heightened regional tensions, and widespread calls for democratic reform.
While President Biya’s candidacy has sparked debate over leadership longevity in Africa, his supporters argue that his experience and stability remain crucial for the nation’s unity. Meanwhile, opposition parties are campaigning on promises of renewal, anti-corruption, and national reconciliation.
As the nation heads toward the official campaign season, the focus will be on whether this diverse and expansive list of aspirants can reshape Cameroon’s political future.
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