In a significant twist ahead of Cameroon's presidential elections, opposition leader Maurice Kamto has been excluded from the candidate list, sparking outrage within his party. As President Paul Biya, the world's oldest leader, prepares for another run, Kamto's supporters see this decision as an attempt to stifle political dissent.
Exclusion of Key Opposition Figure from Presidential Race in Cameroon
Exclusion of Key Opposition Figure from Presidential Race in Cameroon
Maurice Kamto barred from the upcoming election amid controversy as President Biya seeks an eighth term.
Cameroon’s political landscape is facing a seismic shift as opposition leader Maurice Kamto has been removed from the candidate list for the October 12 presidential elections. Only 13 out of 83 submitted candidates were approved by Elecam, the country's electoral body. Kamto, who placed second in the controversial 2018 elections amid claims of electoral fraud, has yet to respond to this decision.
President Paul Biya, who is 92 and has been in power for 43 years, will pursue an eighth term despite mounting pressure to step aside. Defending his candidacy, Biya insists he continues to have valuable contributions to make for the people of Cameroon. Among those now vying against him are two former allies from the northern region, Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari.
Kamto's disqualification is linked to party affiliation issues, as he and another candidate both registered under the Manidem party's banner. Anicet Ekane, the party's president, criticized the ruling as "arbitrary and provocative" and urged Cameroonians to maintain calm while they seek legal redress from the Constitutional Council. Candidates disqualified have a two-day window to file challenges.
Previously representing the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM), Kamto's transition to the Manidem party was prompted by CRM's inability to endorse candidates this election due to a lack of parliamentary representatives. Alongside Kamto, notable cleared candidates include anti-corruption attorney Akere Muna, Social Democratic Front leader Joshua Osih, and the only female candidate, Mayor Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya.
As the election date approaches, the exclusion of Kamto has ignited discussions about the health of democracy in Cameroon, raising concerns about political maneuvering and fairness in the electoral process.
