The race to Cameroon’s 12 October 2025 presidential election has officially begun, with Bertin Kisob, president of the Cameroon Party for Social Justice (CPSJ), becoming the first candidate to submit his file to the electoral body, ELECAM.
Bertin Kisob, CPSJ party
On Saturday 12 July, the National Elections Commission (ELECAM) confirmed that it had received its first candidacy submission for the upcoming vote. Kisob’s team made the early move by delivering his application to ELECAM headquarters in Yaoundé, marking a significant moment in what is expected to be a tightly scrutinised electoral process.
Kisob, who is currently detained at the Kondengui Central Prison in connection with the Anglophone Crisis since 2017, is no stranger to political ambition. He previously attempted to run in past elections, though his bid was disqualified. Known among supporters as “Cameroon’s Nelson Mandela,” Kisob’s current effort raises questions about his eligibility and the political environment surrounding his candidacy.
Speaking to press on the symbolic submission, Susan Epiepang, head of ELECAM’s commission for candidate registration, described the moment as the beginning of a critical period for the country’s democracy. “This is the first of many submissions we expect in the coming days,” she said, reminding potential candidates that the deadline for submitting candidacy files is 21 July.
As political parties mobilise nationwide, Kisob’s move places early pressure on both established figures and emerging hopefuls to formalise their intentions. With the backdrop of political tension, growing calls for reform, and widespread concern over long-standing governance issues, this year’s election is poised to be a defining moment in Cameroon’s political trajectory.
Whether or not Kisob’s file will be validated remains to be seen, but his early action sets the tone for what could be one of the most closely watched elections in recent Cameroonian history.