With fewer than three hours to the close of candidacy submissions for Cameroon’s 12 October 2025 presidential election, Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) has reported a new total of 74 presidential hopefuls, as the race intensifies in the final stretch.
The day has seen an unrelenting flow of candidacy files, with the Univers Party, the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM), and the Union des Populations du Cameroun (UPC) each submitting additional candidates for the contest.
Among the notable additions is Professor Jean Bahebeck, a respected academic and surgeon, who has joined the race under the UPC banner.
Meanwhile, the number of independent candidates has continued to rise steadily, reflecting a growing appetite for alternative leadership beyond traditional party lines. Many of these independents are entering national politics for the first time, bringing with them diverse backgrounds and reformist ambitions.
As candidates continue to file at ELECAM’s head office in Yaoundé and across regional delegations, officials remain on high alert to process submissions ahead of the midnight deadline. There is growing anticipation around whether any other major political actors will join in the final hours, or whether this surge will remain largely driven by lesser-known names and newcomers.
Observers note that while the growing list underscores democratic enthusiasm, the large field may present logistical and strategic challenges during campaigning and voter education.
ELECAM is expected to publish a provisional list of candidates in the coming days after scrutiny of the submitted files.
The countdown continues as Cameroon watches with bated breath.
Below is the updated list of candidates who submitted their files on this date:
| Name | Political Affiliation | Time Submitted (24h / 12h) |
|---|---|---|
| Yamb Ntimba Dominique | Union of the Populations of Cameroon (UPC) | 13:26 / 1:26 PM |
| Iyodi Hiram Samuel | Cameroonian Democratic Front (FDC) | 15:35 / 3:35 PM |
| Nsoumb Silas | People's Republican Party (PRP) | 15:55 / 3:55 PM |
| Tobolbai Richard | Independent Candidate | 16:06 / 4:06 PM |
| Bindowo Oumga | Independent Candidate | 16:11 / 4:11 PM |
| Befolo Essono Martine Danielle | Popular Movement for the Emergence of Cameroon (MPEC) | 16:48 / 4:48 PM |
| Yie Abdouramani | Republican Movement (MOREP) | 16:52 / 4:52 PM |
| Abdouraman Hamadou Babba | Union of the Populations of Cameroon (UPC) | 17:00 / 5:00 PM |
| Djapa Charly | Socialist Ecologist Cameroonian Party (PSEC) | 18:00 / 6:00 PM |
| Mbah Arnaud Miryl | Independent Candidate | 18:17 / 6:17 PM |
| Babio Ngono | The Democratic League | 18:40 / 6:40 PM |
| Ngmakagne Heu Gérardine | Independent Candidate | 17:44 / 5:44 PM |
| Fowe Alain Thierry | Independent Candidate | 17:56 / 5:56 PM |
| Bahebeck Jean | Union of the Populations of Cameroon (UPC) | 18:35 / 6:35 PM |
| Yebga Dieudonné | African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) | 18:47 / 6:47 PM |
| Mbolong Etienne | Independent Candidate | 19:17 / 7:17 PM |
This latest wave of submissions reflects the growing interest in the 2025 presidential race, with both political party representatives and independents seeking a place on the ballot. ELECAM officials continue to receive, verify, and process files as the window for candidacy submission approaches closure.
By Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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