Cameroon's Electoral Commission announced on Tuesday that 81 candidates have submitted nomination papers to compete in the presidential election scheduled for October 12.

In its statement, the Commission noted that prominent candidates include:

• Current President Paul Biya, 92, who has ruled since 1982 and is seeking an eighth term

• Opposition candidate Maurice Kamto of the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM)

• Joshua Osih of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) party

Several women have also filed their candidacies, most notably:

• Hermine Patrice Tomaino, president of the Cameroonian Democratic Union (CDU) party and mayor of Foumban

The Constitutional Council is expected to announce the final list of approved presidential candidates within 12 days.