Cameroon’s Constitutional Council is now evaluating 35 appeals submitted in the wake of Elections Cameroon’s (ELECAM) validation process for the 12 October presidential ballot. High-profile figures including Prof. Maurice Kamto, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Biya Paul and Cabral Libii are all at the centre of legal challenges.
Among the 35 petitions filed by the 28 July deadline, several target candidates whose applications were accepted by ELECAM. Notably:
- Issa Tchiroma Bakary, presidential hopeful for the National Salvation Front (FSNC), faces a bid to nullify his candidature. A self-appointed “provisional bureau” of the FSNC has filed a request urging the Constitutional Council to annul his nomination.
- Cabral Libii, PCRN president, has also had his candidacy challenged. Robert Kona, a founding PCRN member who claims internal disputes, filed an appeal against Libii’s eligibility despite his prior validation.
Perhaps most notable is the appeal submitted by Maurice Kamto, whose candidature was definitively rejected by ELECAM under claims of “plurality of nomination” due to alleged dual backing from MANIDEM for both Kamto and Dieudonné Yebga. Kamto’s team argues that such claims are baseless and politically motivated. His formal appeal seeks full reinstatement on the presidential ballot.
ELECAM's rejection on 26 July rendered over 70 candidacies invalid, with main causes cited as administrative omissions such as missing deposit certificates and improperly certified signatures. A wave of appeals followed, targeting both rejected and accepted candidates alike. Among those contesting their exclusion are André Dibamou (Jeunesse Démocratique du Cameroun), Léon Theiller Onana (CPDM who is challenging the candidature of incumbent Biya Paul), Bessiping (RFERE), Bertin Kisop (CPSJ), Jean Blaise Gwet, Gabriel Mouafo, Ramah Nyeyeh and Jacob Dimgon.
In accordance with the electoral code, disqualified candidates had 48 hours to file appeals. The Constitutional Council began hearings on 29 July and has a maximum of ten days to hand down decisions. The final list of eligible candidates must be published by 11 August 2025.
The outcome of these appeals could reshape the landscape of contenders for the presidential election. The fate of leading figures such as Kamto, Tchiroma and Libii remains uncertain as proceedings unfold.
By Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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