By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
As Cameroon prepares for the pivotal October 2025 elections, over 30 candidates have expressed their intent to lead a new republic. In a flood of activity over the past week, various candidates—including the incumbent, President Paul Biya of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM)—have submitted their candidacy files in accordance with established electoral laws.
Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) recently released a list outlining the candidates who have deposited their files. The ruling CPDM, which presents two candidates, will face significant competition from notable opposition parties such as the Social Democratic Front (SDF), the Union of Democratic Forces (UDC), the National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP), and the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) among others.
President Biya, who is seeking re-election for an unprecedented eighth term, is in the CPDM ticket alongside Leon Theiler Onana who also declared himself. Meanwhile, Hon. Joshua Osih, the National President of the SDF, is gearing up for his second presidential run following his participation in the 2018 elections.
Notably, Professor Maurice Kamto, the runner-up in the 2018 presidential race, will now run under the banner of the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) instead of the CRM. Additionally, both Issa Tchiroma Bakary, of the FSNC, and Bello Bouba Maigari of the UNDP (recently resigned Ministers) will be contesting after exiting their coalition with the CPDM.
Other candidates who have submitted their files include Tamaino Ndam Njoya of the UDC, Cabral Libii Li Ngue of the PCRN, and Barrister Akere Muna Tabeng of the Univers Party among others.
Remarkably, four women have also entered the race: Genevieve Zeh Amvene (independent candidate), Tamaino Ndam Njoya (UDC), Eliane Veronique Eboutou (PNACC), and Mbengono Zouame epse Ndzie Ngono Guyleine (independent candidate).
In total, six candidates are running as independents, while 22 represent various political parties. According to electoral regulations, ELECAM will verify all submitted documents, including a required deposit of FCFA 30 million, before forwarding the candidates’ files to the Constitutional Council.
Section 125(1) of the electoral code grants the Electoral Board the authority to accept or reject candidacies. Should a candidacy be rejected, Section 125(2) mandates that the Director General of Elections inform the candidate of the reasons for the rejection. Furthermore, candidates have the right to appeal such decisions to the Constitutional Council as outlined in Sections 128, 129, and 130.
Section 126 stipulates that the Electoral Board must publish the list of approved candidates no less than 60 days before the election. If any candidate dies or is disqualified post-publication, Section 128 allows for their replacement by another candidate from the same political party, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
As the election date approaches, the political landscape in Cameroon is poised for intense competition, with a diverse array of candidates vying for the presidency.
