Cameroonians across the country and around the world went to the polls on Sunday, October 12, 2025, to elect a new president in what has been described as one of the most competitive elections in recent years. The race featured twelve presidential candidates, including two main contenders — incumbent President Paul Biya of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former minister who resigned from Biya’s government to run as an opposition candidate under the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC).
Other presidential hopefuls in the race included Akere Muna, Joshua Osih, Iyodi Hiram Samuel, Cabral Libii, Bello Bouba Maigari, Hermine Patricia, Ateki Caxton, Bouba Hagbe Jacques, Kouemo Pierre, Matomba Serge Espoir, Dzipang Hilaire Marcaire.
Voting took place smoothly in most parts of the country and at Cameroonian consulates and embassies abroad. Polling stations closed around 6 PM, and soon after, scenes of celebration broke out in several towns, especially in the North Region, where supporters of Issa Tchiroma Bakary claimed he had won the election.
However, official results are yet to be announced. According to the Constitutional Council, chaired by Justice Clément Atangana, it is the only body legally empowered to declare the final results and handle any electoral disputes. Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) has also urged citizens to stay calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and wait for the official announcement.
In Garoua, capital of the North Region, tension rose late Sunday night after rumors spread on social media that Issa Tchiroma Bakari was about to be arrested by the Gendarmerie forces stationed there to maintain order during the vote. Hundreds of his supporters reportedly marched toward his residence in protest. Security forces intervened to calm the situation, and reports later confirmed that Bakari was safe, though his current location remains undisclosed.
Despite these tensions, most Cameroonians returned to their daily activities on Monday, waiting anxiously to know who will lead the nation for the next seven years.
A Lesson from History
Many observers are reminding Cameroonians that election results can be unpredictable. In past elections, opposition candidates often claimed early victory, only for the Constitutional Council to later confirm President Paul Biya’s win. For instance, in both the 2011 and 2018 elections, opposition leaders protested what they called “electoral fraud,” but Biya was officially declared the winner.
Political analysts say this year’s election could follow the same pattern unless there is solid proof of irregularities that can hold up in court. They encourage Cameroonians to remain patient and peaceful as the results are processed.
For now, the nation watches and waits — hoping that, no matter who wins, Cameroon moves toward peace, unity, and development.
