Cameroon’s electoral season has officially commenced, with political parties beginning to submit applications for the upcoming presidential election slated for 12 October.
The country’s Electoral commission, Elections Cameroon (Elecam), confirmed on Wednesday, July 16 that preparations are in full swing following the announcement of the election date. Enow Abrams Egbe, Elecam’s chairman, assured stakeholders during a meeting in Yaoundé that the commission is committed to delivering a credible, fair, and transparent electoral process.
Egbe called for strong cooperation among political actors, civil society, and electoral bodies, describing collective engagement as a “decisive asset” for the democratic exercise. Under the electoral code, aspiring candidates have until 21 July to file their applications, setting the stage for an intense political contest in the coming weeks. Although long-serving President Paul Biya has declared his intention to seek re-election, his formal candidacy has yet to be submitted, adding a layer of anticipation to the electoral atmosphere.
As the deadline draws near, attention is sharply focused on the evolving political landscape and the calibre of contenders emerging to challenge Biya’s decades-long rule. The electoral commission’s pledge to uphold transparency will be pivotal in assuring both national and international observers of the integrity of the process. With the nation preparing for what could be a turning point in its democratic journey, all eyes are now on Elecam’s ability to manage a peaceful and credible election.