Paul Biya Seeks Eighth Term Amid Opposition Exclusion in Cameroon

Cameroon's electoral council has barred opposition leader Maurice Kamto from the upcoming presidential elections, paving the way for incumbent 92-year-old President Paul Biya to run for his eighth term. While six other candidates vie for his position, the lack of unified opposition poses a significant challenge to their chances of success.

Cameroon's political landscape is once again at the forefront as the oldest serving leader in the world, 92-year-old President Paul Biya, prepares to run for an unprecedented eighth term in the country's upcoming presidential elections on October 12. The ruling CPDM party’s longstanding dominance is underscored by the recent exclusion of opposition leader Maurice Kamto from the race.

The country's constitutional council upheld a decision by Elections Cameroon to disqualify Kamto. In a stunning twist, a rival faction within his own Manidem party backed a different candidate, leading to fierce criticism that the decision was politically motivated rather than legal.

Among the 83 candidates vying for President Biya's seat, only 12 were approved. Reasons for the 71 disqualifications varied, encompassing incomplete documents and non-payment of deposits. With Kamto’s exit, Biya faces other notable candidates:

1. **Paul Biya**: With a reign spanning 43 years since 1982, Biya is well-acquainted with the political tide. He has not faced defeat in elections since the reintroduction of multiparty politics in 1990. His campaign promises to focus on enhancing the welfare of women and youth, despite shadow allegations of electoral misconduct.

2. **Bello Bouba Maigari**: The 78-year-old politician, who served as Biya's prime minister, has shifted his stance and now intends to run independently, seeking to capitalize on votes from the crucial northern region.

3. **Issa Tchiroma Bakary**: Formerly a close ally, the 75-year-old has promised to revamp the "suffocating" governance that has characterized Biya’s administration, launching his own campaign as a leader of the CNSF party.

4. **Cabral Libii**: The young political figure and second-time runner from the PCRN party garnered attention in 2018. Despite a third-place finish, his political evolution has been recognized, making him a potential threat to Biya's long-standing presidency.

5. **Akere Muna**: Known for his anti-corruption stance and ties to a prominent political family, Muna seeks to leverage his experience to challenge Biya more effectively this time around.

6. **Joshua Osih**: Leading the once-dominant SDF party, Osih aims to revitalize his campaign after a lackluster 2018 performance.

The potential challenge to Biya's rule has emerged amidst skepticism regarding the credibility of more seasoned candidates like Maigari and Bakary, with some analysts suggesting their previous alliances with Biya could hinder voter trust.

The fragmented opposition remains a key issue, particularly after Kamto's exclusion. There are calls for unity among candidates, as civil society leaders highlight that lack of collaboration might inevitably aid Biya’s re-election. Recent meetings among opposition figures signal a possible coalition, although progress toward choosing a single candidate remains uncertain.

Political analysts emphasize that without solid opposition cooperation, Biya’s overwhelming experience and established systems could see him enjoy relative ease in securing another term. Historical precedence, such as the 1992 election, underscores the need for an opposition coalition to challenge the long-standing rule of the CPDM effectively.

As Cameroonians prepare for the polls, the air is thick with speculation regarding the implications of another Biya presidency on the nation's political and social fabric.