Cameroon’s prominent opposition figure, Maurice Kamto, has been disqualified from the upcoming 12 October presidential election, igniting controversy and concern over the credibility of the process.
Kamto, who placed second in the disputed 2018 polls, was excluded from the final list of 13 approved candidates out of 83 submissions to the electoral body, Elecam.
His disqualification stems from a dispute within the Manidem party, which had adopted him as its candidate. Another faction within the same party also submitted a separate nomination, leading Elecam to reject both entries. Manidem’s president, Anicet Ekane, described the move as “arbitrary and provocative,” urging supporters to remain calm while the party prepares to challenge the decision at the Constitutional Council.
Meanwhile, 92-year-old President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving Head of State, has been cleared to contest for an eighth term despite mounting calls for his resignation.
Biya will face a diverse field of challengers, including former ministers Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari—both hailing from the politically strategic north. Also on the ballot are anti-corruption advocate Akere Muna, Social Democratic Front leader Joshua Osih, and outspoken MP Cabral Libii. Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya, Mayor of Foumban, emerges as the only woman in the race. Kamto’s Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) was barred from sponsoring a candidate due to its lack of parliamentary or local council representation, forcing him to align with Manidem in a last-minute bid. Disqualified aspirants have 48 hours to appeal the electoral commission’s decisions.