In October, Cameroonians will participate in one of the most decisive presidential elections in the nation’s history, with over 20 aspirants seeking to end President Paul Biya’s four-decade rule.
Unlike previous years, the number of registered voters this time has increased significantly and the number of declared contestants is higher as well, amid growing demands for President Biya, 92, to give way to a younger person.
In a country of about 30 million people, approximately 15.7 million are eligible to vote.
According to Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), the body responsible for organizing and managing elections, over 8 million people have already registered.
The stakes are high as Cameroon’s 92-year-old president, Paul Biya, may be seeking another term.
However, his position, if he does contest, is increasingly being challenged by young people who appear awakened by what they describe as the failures of his 42-year rule.
Four months to the election, over 20 aspirants have declared their candidacies for the election, with the intention of ending decades of Biya’s rule.
When is the Election?
MMI has compiled an informative breakdown of when and what activities will unfold ahead of the polls.
According to the electoral calendar, the mandate of the President of the Republic will expire on November 6, 2025. It is worth noting that the President of Cameroon is elected for a seven-year term, which can be renewed infinitely.
Section 74(2) of the Electoral Code provides that the annual revision of the electoral registers commences on January 1 and ends on August 31 of every year.
However, in an election year, Section 75(2) stipulates that, notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 74(2) and 75(1), the annual revision or recompilation of electoral registers shall be suspended from the date of convening the electors.
This means that the revision process will end in July, not August. However, Section 75(3) allows the Director General of Elections, in case of recompilation, to extend the period provided for in Section 74(2) by no more than three months.
Convening of Electors
Before July 12, the electors will be convened. Though the election is expected in October, the exact date is determined by the President of the Republic.
Section 86(1) states that electors shall be convened by decree of the President of the Republic. Paragraph 2 of the same section states that no fewer than 90 days must elapse between the publication of the convening decree and the election day.
Voting can only take place on a Sunday or any designated public holiday, and the President decides the time for opening and closing of polls.
Depositing of Election Files
Once the electorate is convened — no later than July 12 — ELECAM will begin receiving applications from individuals seeking to contest the presidency. This process should be completed by July 22.
Section 123(1) states: “Candidacy papers shall be submitted in duplicate within ten (10) days of the date of convening of electors.”
Aspiring candidates can submit their applications at ELECAM’s regional or divisional branches.
Sections 117 to 131 of the Electoral Code outline the eligibility requirements.
Publication of Eligible Candidates
After submission, ELECAM scrutinizes the files. Each application must be accompanied by a non-refundable registration fee of FCFA 30 million.
Independent candidates must secure at least 300 signatures, with at least 30 from each region.
Alternatively, a candidate can be presented by a political party represented in the National Assembly, Regional Council, or Municipal Council, as per Section 121(1) and (2).
ELECAM has until August 11 to publish the list of eligible candidates. Section 126 provides that the list must be made public at least 60 days before the poll. The Constitutional Council must also be notified of the list.
Upon publication, disqualified candidates have three days to file an appeal with the Constitutional Council. If the candidate was presented by a party and is disqualified, the party has two days to present a replacement.
Election Campaigns
Although political figures have been actively touring the country and making promises, ELECAM has not yet launched the official campaign period.
Campaigns are scheduled to run from September 27 to October 11. This aligns with Section 87(1), which states: “The election campaign shall open on the fifteenth (15th) day preceding the election and close at midnight on the eve of the election day.”
During this period, officially approved candidates will present their political agendas to the nation.
Voting and Results
Following the campaign, citizens will cast their votes. Once the ballots are cast, ELECAM will tally the results and submit them to the Constitutional Council for final proclamation.
According to Section 137, the Council must proclaim the results no later than 15 days after the election, meaning by October 26. Importantly, the Council’s declaration of the winner is not subject to appeal.
Once the winner is proclaimed, Section 140(1) states that the president-elect shall assume office no later than 15 days after the proclamation. This means the new president should be sworn in by November 9.
