The African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) have described Cameroon’s 2025 presidential election as “peaceful, orderly, and in line with democratic principles.”
In their joint report released yesterday October 14, 2025, the two organizations praised ELECAM, the election management body, for its “professionalism and diligence,” and thanked the country’s security forces for maintaining calm throughout the vote.
Their 36 observers visited 228 polling stations across all ten regions and said the voting process was generally transparent and well-organized. They, however, noted a low voter turnout in several areas and recommended that Cameroon move toward a single ballot system to make voting faster, reduce confusion and avoid fraud.
But their report has sparked controversy at home and abroad. Many citizens and opposition figures say the AU and ECCAS are turning a blind eye to evidence of fraud, ballot manipulation, and irregularities widely shared on social media.
Videos and photos showing ballot stuffing, missing names on voter lists, and altered results have raised serious questions about the credibility of the vote.
While the AU and ECCAS called the election a “resounding success,” many Cameroonians feel differently. On the streets of Yaoundé, Douala, and Bamenda, the mood remains tense, with some calling the observer report “a betrayal of the people’s will.”
“It’s easy to call it peaceful when you’re watching from a hotel window,” one voter in Douala told reporters.
As debates continue, pressure is mounting on Cameroon’s Constitutional Council to ensure transparency as it prepares to confirm the final election results.
