A total of 81 candidates have filed applications to contest Cameroon’s presidential election slated for October the highest number on record, according to the national elections body. The submission deadline closed at midnight on Monday.
Several names on the list are familiar. After severing ties with incumbent President Paul Biya earlier this year, Bello Bouba Maïgari is vying for the presidency for a second time. Maurice Kamto and Cabral Libii also return for another shot, each under a new political banner.
Despite the surge in applications, women remain heavily underrepresented. Of the 81 declared candidates, only seven are female, including Eliane Véronique Eboutou and independents Mbengono Zouame Epse Ndzie Ngono Guyleine and Géneviève Zeh Amvene.
Towering above the crowded field is President Paul Biya, the continent’s oldest sitting head of state at 92 years old. With over four decades in power, Biya has announced he will seek re-election, despite mounting speculation around his health and leadership capacity.
Local media outlets have interpreted the flood of candidates as a possible sign of growing public desire for change and a fracturing political landscape. However, analysts remain skeptical that the elections whose transparency and fairness have frequently been questioned will significantly challenge Biya’s rule.
In a move seen as securing military allegiance, Biya recently reshuffled top army leadership, underscoring the strategic nature of his campaign. Meanwhile, the electoral council is expected to review all submissions before releasing the official candidate list, due no later than 60 days before election day.
