Cameroon’s electoral authority, ELECAM (Conseil Électoral), has formally announced the list of 13 individuals authorised to contest the presidential election scheduled for Sunday, 12 October 2025. The decision follows the examination of more than 82 submitted candidacy dossiers.
A total of 83 candidacies were initially received between 11 July and 21 July, including seven women and 26 independent applicants. ELECAM stated that the selection process was guided by legal criteria such as valid documentation, endorsement thresholds and uniqueness of party candidature per the electoral code.
Officially Retained Candidates
Atleast nine of the candidates have previously stood in presidential contests, one being a . The final official list is as follows:
- Paul Biya (CPDM) – incumbent president, aged 92, seeking what would be a seventh consecutive term.
- Serge Matomba (PURS) second time presidential candidate.
- Akere Muna (UNIVERS) – experienced opposition figure and former candidate.
- Issa Tchiroma Bakary (FNSC) – veteran ex‑minister and perennial candidate.
- Pierre Kuemo (UMS) – joining the contest for the first time.
- Iodi Hiram Samuel (FDC) – new entrant.
- Bougha Hagbe Jean (MCNC) – first participation.
- Zipang Hilaire (MP) – first‑time candidate.
- Ateki Zeta Caxton (PAL) – debutant in presidential elections.
- Bello Bouba Maigari (UNDP) – longstanding opposition leader, previous candidate.
- Cabral Libii (PCRN) – opposition figure and declared candidate in 2025.
- Joshua Osih (SDF) – veteran candidate with past presidential bid.
- Tomaino Ndam Njoya (UDC) – female candidate, mayor and former contender.
Gender and Experience
Among the 13 retained, one woman and 12 are men. Only a few individuals are classified as first‑time candidates with the rest have previously contested at least one presidential election.
Notable Exclusion
Prominent opposition leader Maurice Kamto, who placed second in the 2018 election, did not appear on the final list. He has 48 hours to appeal under electoral law provisions. No official explanation was provided for his exclusion, sparking warnings from the United Nations regarding possible unrest in Yaoundé and Douala.
Context and outlook
With ELECAM’s official proclamation made, the country now enters the informal campaign phase. Voters will choose among the 13 candidates on 12 October 2025.
Summary Table
| Statistics | Figures |
|---|---|
| Total applications received | 83 |
| Candidates officially retained | 13 |
| Women candidates | 1 |
| First‑time candidates | Approximately 4 |
| Excluded notable candidate | Maurice Kamto |