The Social Democratic Front (SDF) has issued a rallying call for unity and purpose following the Constitutional Council’s confirmation of 12 candidates for the upcoming 12 October 2025 presidential election, a process the party says once again exposed the limits of justice under Cameroon’s current political system.
In a press release issued on Tuesday 6 August, SDF presidential candidate Hon. Joshua Osih expressed regret over the rejection of some candidacies and the reportedly limited right of defence granted to several contestants during the hearings.
“Experience has taught us that it is illusory to believe that an autocracy can be overthrown through legal shortcuts or by relying on fragile institutions under the influence of the regime in place,” Osih stated. He insisted that while the validation of his own candidacy was welcome, the overall process reflected the systemic challenges of Cameroonian democracy.
Positioning his party as the only credible alternative in the race, Osih argued that the 2025 election offers Cameroonians three distinct options:
- Continuation of the current status quo;
- A mere musical chairs scenario among regime insiders; or
- A radical change of course through institutional refoundation.
“Among the eleven other candidacies that managed to pass through the net of the ruling autocracy, only one today represents a credible offer for real transformation,” he said, referencing the SDF’s nationwide presence, clean political record, and a people-centred programme that includes resolving the Anglophone crisis.
Osih recalled the party’s founding legacy in launching multiparty democracy in Cameroon on 26 May 1990.
“This is the spirit in which we launched multiparty politics… and the combat we continue to carry for a fairer Cameroon,” he said.
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to open, fair, and inclusive political competition, adding that the SDF would not indulge in hypocrisy despite the flawed process.
In a tone both assertive and reconciliatory, Joshua Osih extended an open invitation to all Cameroonians, especially those disillusioned with the political process or sceptical of the SDF’s relevance.
“We count on everyone including those who sincerely believe in the need for change but didn’t believe in the SDF’s ability to stand today as the only political force capable of saving this country,” he said.
He urged citizens to “march toward the future with a calm and resolute heart,” calling on voters to prevent the kind of post-electoral conflict that has plagued the country over the past three decades.
The SDF candidate laid out his vision, promising to:
- End 43 years of suffering under the current regime;
- Free all political prisoners;
- Resolve the Anglophone conflict;
- Restore dignity to marginalised populations, including those in the Grand North;
- Rebuild republican institutions;
- Guarantee quality education and healthcare for all; and
- Revive economic growth and create decent jobs.
“This is the future we offer to the people of Cameroon,” Osih concluded.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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