Just a day after Cameroon’s Head of State, Paul Biya, issued a presidential decree setting the 2025 election date, Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) has confirmed the receipt of the first official candidacy declarations for the October 12 vote.
“Receipt of candidacy files for the election of the President of the Republic on October 12, 2025: the ELECAM teams of the General Directorate of Elections received the first declarations of candidacies on July 12, 2025,” the electoral body announced on Saturday. The statement, however, did not disclose how many candidacies had been submitted or by whom.
The long-anticipated decree from President Biya, issued on Friday, July 11, officially called Cameroonians to the polls, launching the formal campaign season. With this, the countdown to a landmark election has begun, setting in motion what is likely to be a pivotal moment in the nation’s political history.
Several political figures have already publicly expressed their intention to contest the presidency. Among them are Maurice Kamto, Akere Muna, Cabral Libii, Bello Bouba Maigari, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Serge Espoir Matomba, Léon Theiller Onana, and Christian Bomo, a lawyer and civic advocate. These early announcements signal a diverse field of contenders seeking to shape the future of Cameroon.
Notably absent from the confirmed list of candidates, however, is President Paul Biya himself. In power since 1982, the 91-year-old leader has yet to declare whether he will seek re-election. Speculation remains high, particularly after recent reports hinted at a potential run.
With the submission period now open and momentum building, attention will turn to Elecam for updates on the evolving candidate list—while voters prepare for what may be one of the most consequential elections in the country’s recent memory.
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