Voting took place across the country’s 30 regions and on the semi autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar, where residents are also choosing a regional president and members of the island’s House of Representatives. Nationally, voters are electing a president and 400 members of parliament, in a contest that analysts say could further consolidate the ruling party’s grip on power.

The election, however, has drawn criticism from both local and international observers after the electoral commission disqualified the main opposition party, CHADEMA, in April. The commission accused the party of refusing to sign the national electoral code of conduct  a move CHADEMA dismissed as politically motivated.

The party’s leader, Tundu Lissu, remains on trial for treason, charges he has denied, calling them “an attempt to silence dissent.” Lissu, who survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and returned from exile in 2020, has been one of President Hassan’s most vocal critics.

With CHADEMA and other key opposition candidates barred, President Hassan’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) faces little organized competition. Her campaign has centered on promises to expand economic reforms, strengthen women’s participation in leadership, and promote national unity after years of political polarization under her late predecessor, John Magufuli.

Hassan, who became Tanzania’s first female president in 2021 following Magufuli’s sudden death, is seen by supporters as a stabilizing figure who has reopened civic space and restored Tanzania’s international relations. Critics, however, argue that recent government actions including opposition bans and media restrictions  show a return to authoritarian tendencies.

Election officials reported a strong voter turnout early in the day, though sporadic reports of delays and irregularities surfaced in some urban districts. Results are expected to be announced within the next several days.

Regional observers from the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union (AU) have deployed monitoring teams, though access for some international media outlets has reportedly been restricted.

Cameroon has witnessed a record-breaking 81 presidential hopefuls file applications for the country’s upcoming October 2025 presidential election, setting the stage for one of the most crowded races in the nation’s history. The deadline for candidacy submissions closed at midnight on Sunday, according to the Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) body.

The unprecedented number of contenders reflects a rising demand for political transformation, citizen engagement, and what observers describe as a deepening fragmentation of opposition forces. While the political field remains heavily male-dominated, seven women have officially entered the race more than in any previous election cycle in the Central African nation.

Among the candidates is President Paul Biya, 92 years old, who is seeking yet another term after more than four decades in power. Biya’s decision to run again has drawn criticism from both domestic and international observers concerned about his age, health, and democratic legitimacy.

A Political Milestone or a Crowded Challenge?

Analysts say the record number of aspirants underscores both the vibrancy and volatility of Cameroon’s political atmosphere. While the breadth of participation is being praised as a positive sign of civic engagement, critics warn that such fragmentation may dilute the opposition vote, inadvertently strengthening Biya’s hold on power.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” said political analyst Dr. Jean-Marie Ewane. “A surge in candidates shows democratic energy, but without coalition-building, it risks reinforcing the status quo.”

The Road Ahead

The electoral commission will now begin the screening and validation process to ensure all candidates meet legal and constitutional requirements, including citizenship, age, residency, and financial disclosures. The final list of approved candidates must be published no later than 60 days before the election, per Cameroonian electoral law.

Observers from the African Union and international organizations are expected to monitor both the pre-election environment and the conduct of the polls themselves. Security will also be a concern, especially in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions, where separatist tensions persist.

Cameroon’s last presidential election in 2018 was marred by low turnout in conflict zones and opposition claims of irregularities. Calls for electoral reform and independent oversight have grown louder in the lead-up to the 2025 vote.

As the country heads toward the polls, many Cameroonians are watching closely to see whether this election will mark a turning point for democracy, or simply a continuation of entrenched political patterns.