October poll: ELECAM begins scrutinising files of aspirants.

The scrutiny comes in line with Section 123 of the Electoral Code, which calls for such, after the close of submission of files. 

Speaking during the start of the exercise, the Chairperson of the Electoral Board, Dr Enow Abrams Ebge, reminded members of the sacredness of the work before them.

He stated that the work will be done while upholding the highest standards of legality, transparency, and integrity. 

“The stakes of a presidential election cannot be overstated,” he said, adding that “it is the highest and most consequential expression of the people’s sovereignty”.

According to Dr Enow Abrams, the session represents a “significant turning point in the electoral process”. 

The Electoral Board, he said, is focused on verifying the compliance of all who have expressed interest in running for the highest office of the land.

He restated that Section 10 (1) of the Electoral Code, tasks ELECAM with guaranteeing “regular, impartial, free, fair, transparent and credible elections”.

Rigorous, objective, confidential work

According to Dr Enow Abrams, with dozens of aspirants from across the political spectrum, the task ahead for ELECAM is both complex and delicate.

He challenged board members to uphold objectivity, rigour, and impartiality in examining the files. 

“Our actions must be guided solely by the spirit and letter of the laws in force. Through a strict application of these provisions and an objective examination of each document in the files, we will guarantee the credibility and legitimacy of this crucial election,” he emphasised.

Dr Enow Abrams appealed to the Board to respect the “oath we have taken, protect the integrity of the process, and avoid any form of unauthorised disclosure”.

Consolidate ELECAM’s credibility

According to Dr Abrams Ebge, beyond the technicalities of file verification, the session is also AN opportunity for ELECAM to reinforce its institutional credibility in the eyes of the people and international observers. 

He stressed that the legitimacy of ELECAM as an institution, rests on the rigour and transparency with which each phase of the electoral process is handled.

“We must act not under pressure or in haste, but solely guided by the general interest and democratic fairness,” he declared.

Members of the Board, he said, are bent on ensuring consistency and efficiency in the vetting process by producing a methodological guide. 

“Let us be, once again, the defenders of equity, the guarantors of legality, and the catalysts of a peaceful, inclusive, credible, and transparent presidential election,” he declared.

The Board is expected to published the list of qualified candidates for the election latest on or before August 13, 2025. This is in line with Section 126 of the Electoral Code. 82 aspirants deposited files at ELECAM seeking to run for the election.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3513 of Thursday July 24, 2025