The Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has launched the process of selecting its candidates for the upcoming regional council elections scheduled for November 30, 2025. A circular signed by the party’s National President, Paul Biya, sets out the criteria, procedures, and structures that will guide the investiture exercise.
The document emphasizes that the polls, the second since the introduction of regional councils in 2020, are part of government efforts to consolidate democracy and advance the decentralization process.
The ruling party intends to field candidates in all constituencies, presenting men, women, and young people “conscious of the challenges of local development.”
Strict Criteria for Aspirants
The circular specifies two sets of requirements: those imposed by law and those by the party. Legally, aspirants must be at least 23 years old, literate in either French or English, resident in the concerned region, and free from legal impediments to eligibility.
Within the party, emphasis will be placed on political experience, loyalty, discipline, and contributions to the CPDM’s activities, including regular payment of dues since 2020.
Candidates will also need to demonstrate moral integrity and adherence to the ideals of peace, unity, and national integrity.
Application Process
Interested party members are required to submit two sets of files: one for the electoral body, ELECAM, and another for the CPDM. The ELECAM file must include documents such as a birth certificate, criminal record extract, tax certificate, voter registration proof, and a 50,000 FCFA deposit slip from the public treasury.
The party file, on the other hand, must contain an investiture request form, curriculum vitae, proof of membership and dues, a record of services rendered to the party, and a 25,000 FCFA application fee receipt. Each applicant must also provide a declaration of loyalty to accept the party’s final decision.
Multi-Level Screening
The investiture process will involve three structures: departmental, regional, and national commissions.
Departmental Commissions will receive applications, verify documents, and propose candidate lists.
Regional Commissions will review these lists and forward them to the national level with observations.
The National Commission, chaired by the CPDM’s Secretary General, will oversee the entire process and submit final proposals to the National President for validation.
The commissions will also ensure inclusiveness, taking into account gender balance, youth participation, sociological representation, and the emergence of new political figures.
Exclusions and Final Steps
The circular clearly excludes certain officials from seeking party investiture for the regional polls. These include members of government, senators, deputies, municipal councillors, and heads of consular chambers.
Once validated, the Secretary General of the Central Committee will issue official investiture certificates to candidates. The circular also instructs party officials to prepare adequately for the campaign period to guarantee what it calls the “smooth conduct” of the elections.
With the November elections approaching, the CPDM’s announcement signals the beginning of intense internal competition as aspiring candidates move to secure the party’s endorsement in their respective regions.
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