Cameroon is witnessing an unprecedented political spectacle as 81 individuals have submitted their candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections slated for 12 October 2025. This record-breaking number has stirred national concern and triggered debates about the state of political governance.
Political scientist Michel Oyane, from the University of Yaoundé 2, attributes this surge to a growing disillusionment with the presidency, citing a disconnect between the public and the country’s leadership. He argues that the volume of candidacies reflects a broader malaise in Cameroonian politics, where the highest office appears to have lost its gravitas due to a perceived absence of presidential presence and accountability since the 2018 elections.
Governance experts, including Professor Viviane Ondoua Biwolé, have echoed similar sentiments, describing the situation as “inconceivable” and a troubling indicator of the nation’s democratic health. The extraordinary number of contenders is seen not as a sign of vibrant pluralism but rather a symptom of disillusionment, fragmentation, and weak institutional control over political processes. Critics warn that such a scenario could undermine the credibility of the electoral process and deepen citizen apathy, unless serious reforms are initiated to restore the integrity and seriousness of presidential aspirations.