The African Union Election Observation Mission (AU-EOM), deployed at the invitation of the Government of Cameroon, arrived in the country on October 7 and will remain until October 16, 2025.
According to a statement from the African Union Commission (AUC), the mission's objective is to observe the final days of the campaign period, polling day operations, and the counting process to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the electoral exercise.
The mission, led by Makuza, comprises 40 short-term observers drawn from 29 African countries, representing a broad cross-section of the continent's political, diplomatic, and civil society institutions.
Members include parliamentarians from the Pan-African Parliament, African ambassadors accredited to the AU in Addis Ababa, officials from Election Management Bodies (EMBs), representatives of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), media professionals, and scholars.
The observers hail from countries including Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Central African Republic, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Liberia, Mauritania, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
The mission is expected to issue its Preliminary Statement on October 14, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé, summarizing its initial findings and recommendations aimed at strengthening democratic governance, transparency, and the rule of law in electoral processes across the continent.
Cameroon's presidential elections are scheduled for October 12, 2025, with Paul Biya, who has been in power for over 43 years, among the top contenders expected to win.
The 92-year-old leader confirmed that he will run again, representing his party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (RDPC).
Although some citizens are calling for change, many still believe Biya stands a strong chance of securing another term.
On the opposition side, Cabral Libii, the leader of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN), is emerging as one of the most promising candidates with significant support. Libii, a young reformist politician focused on tackling youth unemployment and poverty, finished third in the 2018 elections.
Another notable contender is Joshua Osih of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), a well-known opposition party active since the early 1990s.
Other candidates in the race include Serge Espoir Matomba (PURS), Hermine Patricia Ndam Njoya (UDC), and Akere Muna, a lawyer and governance expert, all of whom are campaigning on promises of renewal and political change in Cameroon.
IGIHE
