After failing to submit candidacy for October polls: Economist, Eugène Nyambal, unveils ambitious reform agenda, new political movement.

Nyambal, during a press conference held in Yaounde on July 23, presented his Contract For Prosperity programme, which he said was intended to be launched through a popular movement called Together for a Better Cameroon, abbreviated in French EPCM.

He described EPCM as a social pact for emergence, aiming to implement much-needed political, institutional, economic, social, and cultural reforms in Cameroon, to improve the living conditions of Cameroonians and build a united, prosperous, supportive, sovereign, and pan-African nation.

Nyambal’s 11-point reform agenda

Nyambal’s blueprint for change, presented as an 11-point agenda, encompasses wide-ranging reforms designed to address key national issues. 

His programme includes reforms to the constitution to restore the rule of law, administrative decentralisation, urgent measures to combat the high cost of living, reorganisation of public finance management, modernisation of agriculture, development of national industry, sustainable management of natural resources, promotion of technological innovation, development of sustainable infrastructure, and improved access to water, sanitation, electricity, and telecommunications. 

He also highlighted plans for youth employment, women's empowerment, educational reform, and modernisation of the healthcare and national defence systems.

“I have advised many countries in Africa and around the world, and I see the enormous potential of autonomy around our youth,” Nyambal remarked, while reiterating his desire for a country based on merit, equal opportunities, and justice.

Allegations of electoral obstacles

He used the presser to provide insight into the mechanisms he believes were used to thwart his bid. He explained that the Electoral Code provides two pathways for candidacy: as an independent candidate requiring 300 signatures authenticated by administrative authorities, or through investment by political parties with elected officials.

He described the independent candidate route as a nearly impossible obstacle course, looking at the political and administrative reality of the country.

He further detailed the challenges of securing party endorsement, attributing them to a political market created by the government's decision to postpone legislative and municipal elections that should have preceded the presidential poll.

The postponement, he argued, granted a monopolistic advantage to the few existing parties with elected officials, leading to exorbitant demands for endorsement.

"My application was complete, but I was confronted with an insurmountable obstacle. In my quest to find a party to carry my candidacy, I faced situations where actors demanded colossal sums, up to 150 million FCFA, to secure an endorsement," Nyambal stated.

He further recounted a specific instance where a party delayed its decision, ultimately endorsing a different candidate at the last moment.

"My candidacy was not possible because we have an electoral process that has been instrumentalised to perpetually keep the current regime in power," Nyambal asserted.

He contended that the system prevents serious candidates, capable of offering solutions adapted to the problems of Cameroonians, from contributing vigorously to the debate on the current regime's record and project. 

Nyambal noted that the election has attracted 82 potential candidates, which he described as a record in Cameroon's political history.

Expresses desire to contribute to change

Despite the setback, Nyambal declared his continued commitment to national change.

"I remain open to contributing to any action for change and the transformation of the living conditions of Cameroonians,” Nyambal affirmed. 

He further acknowledged the presence of experienced and ambitious candidates among those who succeeded in submitting their candidatures. 

The Economist added that his EPCM will carry forward his message and participate in future legislative and municipal elections, to bring a new generation of young people onto the political scene. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3517 of Monday July 28, 2025