An unprecedented 81 candidates have entered Cameroon's
presidential election, which is set for October 2025. By the deadline of
midnight on Monday, the national electoral organisation received the most
applications ever recorded. The wide range of contenders is indicative of the
nation's competitive and dynamic political environment.
A number of well-known names are among the contenders.
Former President Paul Biya supporter Bello Bouba Maïgari is making a second run
after splitting from Biya's team earlier this year. In a similar vein, Maurice
Kamto and Cabral Libii are also returning candidates who have switched parties
in an effort to bolster their campaigns. Their involvement indicates a change
in political goals and alliances. Only seven women have applied to run, making
the candidate pool predominantly male.
Notable female candidates standing as independents are
Géneviève Zeh Amvene, Mbengono Zouame Epse Ndzie Ngono Guyleine, and Eliane
Véronique Eboutou. Even if they are few in number, their presence shows that
Cameroon is working to expand the number of women in leadership positions.
President Paul Biya, who is 92 years old and Africa's oldest head of state, is
leading the race. Despite doubts about his health and capacity to lead, Biya,
who has held the position for more than 40 years, continues to be a powerful
figure.
Many have questioned the democratic legitimacy of the
impending vote in response to his choice to run for reelection. According to
analysts, Biya's long-standing hold on power is unlikely to wane because
Cameroonian elections are frequently criticised for being opaque. The rise in
candidates might be a sign of Cameroonians' increasing desire for political
reform. The large volume of applications is interpreted by some local media
outlets as proof that the political system is collapsing and that people are looking
for alternatives to the current situation. To strengthen his position, Biya
recently reorganised the senior military positions, which is viewed as a
calculated attempt to win the army's support.
The 81 applications must now be reviewed by the electoral
council. It will either accept or reject candidates in the upcoming weeks, and
the final list should be released no later than sixty days prior to the
election. As Cameroon awaits the council's ruling, the country eagerly
anticipates the outcome of this momentous race and whether it will result in
significant change.
SOURCE: https://www.adomonline.com/