Cameroon Enters The Final Phase Of The Presidential Election

Cameroon has officially entered the final phase of preparations for its twenty twenty five presidential election. The country’s electoral body known as ELECAM has published the list of candidates who have been approved to take part in this historic race. Out of the eighty four people who applied to run for the presidency, only thirteen names were accepted after a long review process. This decision has sparked reactions from all corners of the country because of some surprising developments, especially the unexpected disqualification of Professor Maurice Kamto.

Maurice Kamto, the leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC), is widely known as one of the most powerful opposition figures in the country. He gained national and international attention after the twenty eighteen presidential election and has since remained one of the loudest voices speaking against the current regime. Many Cameroonians were expecting him to be on the ballot again this year. However, when ELECAM released the final list, Kamto’s name was nowhere to be found. His exclusion has left many of his supporters confused and disappointed. Until now, there has been no clear public explanation for why his candidacy was rejected, and that silence has only raised more questions about fairness and transparency in the process.

Despite this shocking exemption, the list of approved candidates includes several familiar names along with a few new faces.

The oldest and most experienced of them is President Paul Biya, who is running again under the banner of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement. Biya has been in power since nineteen eighty two and is now ninety two years old. His decision to seek another term has generated strong reactions from both supporters and critics. While some people praise his leadership and long experience, others believe it is time for a younger generation to take over.

Cabral Libii is another major name on the list. He is representing the Cameroonian Party for National Reconciliation. Libii made a strong impression in the last election and has continued to grow in popularity among young voters. He is seen by many as a symbol of change and modern political thinking. His campaign is expected to attract attention, especially from citizens looking for new leadership.

Joshua Osih is also returning to the race, representing the Social Democratic Front. He comes from one of the country’s most historic opposition parties and has a strong base of supporters, especially in the English-speaking regions. Osih is known for his focus on national unity, social justice and economic reform.

Akere Muna will also be on the ballot under the Univers Party. He is a respected lawyer and international figure who has spent years fighting against corruption and poor governance. Akere Muna’s campaign is expected to highlight transparency, good leadership and respect for democratic values.

Serge Espoir Matomba, representing the United People for Social Renovation, is also part of the final list. Matomba has been building a reputation as a calm and determined voice for change. His campaign often focuses on the future of Cameroon’s youth, the need for institutional reform and job creation.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary is representing the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon. He is a former government minister who recently broke ties with the current ruling coalition to declare his own candidacy. His move has reshaped political discussions, especially in the northern regions.

Bello Bouba Maigari is another experienced politician running under the National Union for Democracy and Progress. He too was once an ally of President Biya but has now chosen to run independently. His decision to join the race has added more weight to the opposition side, especially in areas where he holds strong political influence.

Tomaino Ndam Njoya is representing the Cameroon Democratic Union. His party has been active in Cameroonian politics for years, and he is known for promoting peace, respect for institutions and democratic participation. His presence in the race brings added variety to the field.

Kwemo Pierre is representing the Union of Socialist Movements. Although not as widely known across the country, he brings his own ideas and political energy to the campaign. His participation shows that smaller parties still have a role to play in the democratic process.

Iodi Hiram Samuel is the candidate of the Front for Democratic Change. He is one of the lesser-known faces in the race but his approval by ELECAM means he fulfilled all the legal and administrative requirements to run. He will likely use the campaign to introduce his political ideas to the national audience.

Boughe Hagbe Jean is representing the Cameroon National Consensus Movement. Like some of the others, he is not yet a household name, but his candidacy may reflect a desire for new political options beyond the traditional faces.

Zipang Hilaire, who is representing the Movement for Progress, has also been approved. His political messages have not yet reached every corner of the country, but being on the ballot gives him the opportunity to share his vision and policies with the voters.

Lastly, Ateki Zeta Caxton is representing the Party for African Liberation. His name may be new to many Cameroonians, but like all other candidates, he met the conditions set by the electoral code.

Here is the full list of the thirteen approved candidates and their respective political parties:

Paul Biya – Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM)

Cabral Libii – Cameroonian Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN)

Joshua Osih – Social Democratic Front (SDF)

Akere Muna – Univers Party

Serge Espoir Matomba – United People for Social Renovation (PURS)

Issa Tchiroma – Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FNSC)

Bello Bouba Maigari – National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP)

Tomaino Ndam Njoya – Cameroon Democratic Union (UDC)

Kwemo Pierre – Union of Socialist Movements (UMS)

Iodi Hiram Samuel – Front for Democratic Change (FDC)

Boughe Hagbe Jean – Cameroon National Consensus Movement (MCNC)

Zipang Hilaire – Movement for Progress (MP)

Ateki Zeta Caxton – Party for African Liberation (PAL)

With these thirteen candidates confirmed, the country is now entering the campaign period. Each of these individuals will have the opportunity to present their vision for Cameroon and convince the people why they should be chosen as the next president. The absence of Maurice Kamto, however, continues to dominate discussions. It remains to be seen how his disqualification will affect the overall political atmosphere in the weeks leading to the election.