Cameroon Sets Presidential Election for 12 October

Cameroon will hold its presidential election on 12 October, according to a decree issued by President Paul Biya.

Although Biya, 92, has not confirmed whether he will seek an eighth term, he remains the de facto candidate of the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), which he has led for decades.

After nearly 43 years in power, Biya is facing signs of waning support within his ranks. In recent weeks, two key allies have broken away to contest the election independently.

Employment Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary resigned in June to stand for the presidency under his party, the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC).

Former prime minister Bello Bouba Maigari, who had been an ally of Biya’s for nearly 30 years, also announced his candidacy under the banner of the National Union for Democracy and Progress (NUDP). Both parties had long been allied with the ruling CPDM.

Meanwhile, the opposition remains fragmented. Maurice Kamto, who came second in the 2018 election and is a vocal critic of Biya, is running again under the Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon (MRC). Another major contender is Cabral Libii, representing the Cameroonian Party for National Reconciliation (CPNR).

Presidential hopefuls have until 21 July to officially declare their candidacy.