Cameroon Opposition Leader Maurice Kamto Disqualified from Presidential Race
Cameroon’s main opposition figure, Maurice Kamto, has been barred from contesting in the country’s upcoming presidential election slated for October 12.
Out of the 83 presidential hopefuls who submitted candidacy files to the electoral commission, Elecam, only 13 were approved. Kamto, who finished second in the disputed 2018 poll, was not among them. He has yet to issue a public statement on his disqualification.
The final list includes 92-year-old President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest sitting head of state, who is seeking an eighth term in office. Despite leading the Central African nation for nearly 43 years, Biya says he still has more to contribute and has defied growing calls to step down.
Among his challengers are former allies Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, both hailing from the vote-rich northern region of the country.
Kamto, who ran under the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) in 2018, had to seek an alternative political platform this year after CRM was barred from fielding a candidate. The party lacked representation in parliament or local councils, a requirement to nominate a contender.
He joined the Manidem party, which does hold local seats and had endorsed him. However, Elecam rejected his candidacy due to a rival claim from another member of the party's splinter faction who also filed to run under the Manidem banner.
Manidem’s national president, Anicet Ekane, denounced the decision as “arbitrary and provocative,” calling for calm and urging supporters to pursue legal redress.
“This is just an offside goal,” Ekane said. “This tackle from behind must be sanctioned by the Constitutional Council, and we will take the matter there.”
Under Cameroonian electoral law, disqualified candidates have 48 hours to appeal.
Other prominent candidates approved to run include lawyer and anti-corruption advocate Akere Muna, Social Democratic Front (SDF) leader Joshua Osih, and parliamentarian Cabral Libii. Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya, the outspoken mayor of Foumban, is the only female candidate in the race.
