As the October 12, 2025 presidential election approaches, the Cameroonian government has disbursed the first installment of public funding allocated to the political parties participating in the race. In Yaoundé, several party treasurers, some accompanied by their candidates, went to collect the allocated campaign funds. Although this financial support is intended to ensure a minimum level of fairness among contenders, the amount received by each party has sparked mixed reactions.
In Yaoundé, the political capital of Cameroon, on September 29, 2025, the Cameroonian government proceeded with the effective payment of the first installment of public funding allocated to political parties taking part in the electoral campaign ahead of the October 12 presidential election. To that end, numerous party treasurers, some accompanied by their candidates, went to collect the campaign funds.
« For what we plan to do and how we intend to deploy on the ground, this is really ridiculous. We need to limit the circulation of cash in these kinds of situations. »
Jacques Bougha Hagbe, MCNC Presidential Candidate – Cameroon
The Ministry of Territorial Administration, responsible for managing public funds allocated to political parties, has confirmed that disbursements began on September 29. Although the exact amount has not been officially disclosed, sources close to the matter suggest an envelope of approximately 15 million CFA francs per candidate. The first installment of this funding is distributed equally among the 12 candidates in the race, while a second installment, to be disbursed after the election, will be calculated based on the results obtained by each candidate.
« The first installment is equal. What they received is exactly what I received as well. It will help us too. »
Gilbert Tsimi Evouna, Treasurer for the RDPC Candidate – Cameroon
It is worth noting that public campaign financing aims to curb abuses linked to illicit funding and to ensure a degree of fairness among candidates. However, several observers are calling for a reform of the funding mechanism to improve transparency in the allocation and traceability of the funds.
