Cameroon Electoral Council Examines 82 Presidential Candidacies for 2025

The 2025 presidential election in Cameroon has seen a record 81 candidate applications submitted to the national electoral body, ELECAM, with the provisional list of approved candidates expected by August 11, 2025. Among the candidates are several returning runners, including Bello Bouba Maïgari, Maurice Kamto, and Cabral Libii, while incumbent President Paul Biya, Africa's oldest head of state, seeks re-election despite concerns about his health. ELECAM is tasked with rigorously evaluating each application for compliance with legal requirements, with the authority to invalidate candidatures lacking sufficient signatures or essential documents, and any disputes will be resolved by the Constitutional Council. The large number of candidates reflects both a fracturing political landscape and a possible desire for change among the population, though analysts remain skeptical about the election’s democratic legitimacy given Biya's long-standing grip on power and recent military reshuffles aimed at securing support. The process underscores the importance of confidentiality and meticulous management to maintain the credibility of the electoral institution. The final list of candidates must be published no later than 60 days before the October election.