Maurice Kamto, a prominent opposition leader and challenger to President Paul Biya, has been disqualified from the presidential election scheduled for October 12 in Cameroon. This decision has raised eyebrows as only a small fraction of submitted candidates were accepted by the electoral body.
Opposition Leader Maurice Kamto Barred from Presidential Race in Cameroon
Opposition Leader Maurice Kamto Barred from Presidential Race in Cameroon
Cameroon's electoral body excludes opposition candidate Maurice Kamto from the upcoming presidential elections, leaving incumbent Paul Biya to run unchallenged by major opposition figures.
Article text:
Cameroon’s political landscape has once again been shaken as the opposition leader Maurice Kamto finds himself barred from the presidential race slated for October 12. The national electoral body, Elecam, has accepted only 13 out of 83 candidate submissions, and Kamto is notably absent from that list. His exclusion follows a second-place finish in 2018 amidst accusations of electoral fraud.
At 92 years old, President Paul Biya, the world’s longest-serving president, has officially registered to seek another term despite being in power for over 43 years. He has rebuffed numerous calls to step away from leadership, claiming he still possesses the capability to contribute positively to the nation.
Challenging Biya will be two of his former allies, Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, both hailing from the influential northern region of Cameroon. Other candidates approved to run include anti-corruption advocate Akere Muna, Social Democratic Front (SDF) party leader Joshua Osih, and lawmaker Cabral Libii. The only woman on the list is the outspoken Mayor of Foumban, Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya.
The absence of Kamto's Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) party from the race was attributed to its lack of representation in local or parliamentary levels, compelling Kamto to switch to the Manidem party which does have local support. Those candidates who have been disqualified still have a two-day window to appeal the decision at the constitutional council, leaving open the possibility of last-minute changes to the electoral lineup.
As the political climate continues to evolve, concerns remain for Cameroonians already facing challenges from both separatist movements and government forces alike.
Cameroon’s political landscape has once again been shaken as the opposition leader Maurice Kamto finds himself barred from the presidential race slated for October 12. The national electoral body, Elecam, has accepted only 13 out of 83 candidate submissions, and Kamto is notably absent from that list. His exclusion follows a second-place finish in 2018 amidst accusations of electoral fraud.
At 92 years old, President Paul Biya, the world’s longest-serving president, has officially registered to seek another term despite being in power for over 43 years. He has rebuffed numerous calls to step away from leadership, claiming he still possesses the capability to contribute positively to the nation.
Challenging Biya will be two of his former allies, Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, both hailing from the influential northern region of Cameroon. Other candidates approved to run include anti-corruption advocate Akere Muna, Social Democratic Front (SDF) party leader Joshua Osih, and lawmaker Cabral Libii. The only woman on the list is the outspoken Mayor of Foumban, Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya.
The absence of Kamto's Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) party from the race was attributed to its lack of representation in local or parliamentary levels, compelling Kamto to switch to the Manidem party which does have local support. Those candidates who have been disqualified still have a two-day window to appeal the decision at the constitutional council, leaving open the possibility of last-minute changes to the electoral lineup.
As the political climate continues to evolve, concerns remain for Cameroonians already facing challenges from both separatist movements and government forces alike.
