Cameroon’s Constitutional Council Reviews Rejected Presidential Candidacies Ahead of 2025 Election

The Constitutional Council of Cameroon has begun hearings today to review 35 appeals filed by individuals whose applications to contest the 12 October 2025 presidential election were rejected by Elections Cameroon (ELECAM).

The hearings are taking place at the Palais des Congrès in Yaoundé, amid heightened public and political interest. Security has been reinforced around the premises and other key areas in the capital, reflecting concerns about possible public unrest. There is palpable fear, particularly if prominent opposition leader Maurice Kamto is not reinstated on the ballot.

Maurice Kamto’s Disqualification Under Review

Among the cases drawing the most attention is that of Maurice Kamto, leader of the MRC party, whose candidacy was rejected by ELECAM due to issues linked to multiple nomination letters from the same party (MANIDEM). Kamto had previously resigned from the MRC to run under the MANIDEM banner. The party also backed another candidate, Dieudonné Yebga—resulting in both nominations being disqualified for violating rules on party endorsement plurality.

Kamto’s supporters and segments of the public are closely watching the Constitutional Council’s deliberations to see whether his candidacy will be restored. MMI has reported that discussions within activist circles, including those formerly close to Kamto’s movement, have been marked by both disappointment and strategic reflection.

Legal Timeline and Mandate of the Council

Under Cameroonian electoral law, the Constitutional Council has 10 days from the date of the hearings to issue rulings on the appeals. These decisions will be final and will establish the official list of candidates who will appear on the October ballot.

The council, chaired by Clement Atangana, has the authority to uphold, modify, or overturn ELECAM’s decisions. This stage of the process is critical to resolving ongoing political disputes and confirming eligibility.

Concerns Over Transparency and Electoral Process

Opposition parties and independent observers have expressed concerns over the candidate vetting process carried out by ELECAM. ELECAM further cited legal grounds ranging from incomplete files to conflicting party endorsements. However, critics argue that the process lacked transparency and disproportionately affected opposition figures.

A total of 70 out of 83 candidacy applications were rejected, with a small number being turned away for a single infraction—such as multiple letters of nomination from the same political party—and others for missing up to nine essential documents.

In a distinct case, Léon Theiller Onana, a CPDM municipal councillor, was disqualified not for documentation issues but for not being officially endorsed by a party or registered as an independent. His case differs from those involving dual nominations, and legal analysts are watching how the Council rules on such procedural irregularities.

President Biya Cleared for Re-Election

Among the 13 candidates approved by ELECAM is President Paul Biya, who at 92 is the world’s oldest sitting head of state. He is seeking an eighth term in office, extending a presidency that began in 1982.

The Constitutional Council’s rulings are expected by mid-August. This will determine the final ballot lineup. MMI is monitoring the hearings closely and will continue providing updates throughout the appeal period.

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