Cameroon’s presidency has announced, via a presidential decree, that the country’s next presidential election will take place on October 12, 2025. However, President Paul Biya, now 92 years old, has not confirmed whether he intends to seek another term—leaving the political scene clouded in uncertainty.
In power since 1982, Biya is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. He won the 2018 presidential election with over 72% of the vote, a result heavily contested by opposition parties citing electoral irregularities.
In 2008, Biya amended the constitution to remove presidential term limits, allowing him to run for re-election indefinitely.
While several political parties have already announced their candidates, the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) had previously declared Biya its “natural candidate.” His current silence has sparked speculation, especially amid recurring reports about his declining health and mounting opposition calls for leadership change.
Cameroon’s political landscape remains deeply fragmented. A number of current and former ministers have declared their intention to run, reflecting growing divisions within the ruling elite.
Meanwhile, the country faces pressing security and economic challenges, particularly in its English-speaking regions, where separatist tensions and anti-government protests continue to escalate.
The official campaign period will run from September 27 to October 11, with the final list of approved candidates expected by August 11 at the latest.
