Elections Cameroon (Elecam) announced that 81 files have been received from candidates to run in the October 12 presidential elections in Cameroon, I clouding incumbent Paul Biya.
The record number dwarfs the 29 that showed interest in the 2018 elections. Amongst them are seven women. The age gap between the candidates is also vast and ranges from 31 years for the youngest candidate(Daloutou Hamada ) and 92 for the oldest (Paul Biya of the CPDM)
Added to the confusion, some of the parties are presenting two or more candidates. This is the case for he CPDM, the Manidem, and the UPC.
anThe electoral laws were tighten in 2012 to prevent many adventurers from running for the office of president. This includes raising the amount to be deposited from 1.5 million to 30 million FCFA per candidate (art 124 sub 1), political parties are supposed to have at least one representative at the council, national assembly or senate while independent candidates are supposed to have at least 300 signatories from all the 10 regions. (Art. 121 sub 2) Of the electoral law.
The electoral Board of Elecam is expected to scrutinize this list per section 125: (1) Which states ” The Electoral Board may accept or reject a candidacy”
According to election observers, several of these candidates will be disqualified in the days ahead. Amongst the list are those who do not meet the age and financial requirement, lack their civic rights, do not meet the prerequisite for independent or party candidates, or are representing the same party.
Notable candidates on the list include Paul Biya thé incumbent and one of two candidates for the CPSM, Maurice Nkamto one of two candidates for Manidem, Joshua Osih of the SDF, Bello Bouna of the UNDP and Cabral Libih of PCRN
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