In a significant development, Cameroon’s prominent opposition leader Maurice Kamto has been barred from contesting in the upcoming presidential elections set for October 12. The country's electoral body, Elecam, accepted only 13 candidates out of 83 applications. This leaves President Paul Biya, who at 92 years old is the world’s oldest sitting president, in a commanding position to pursue his eighth consecutive term.
Kamto, a key rival in the 2018 elections where he finished second amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud, has yet to respond publicly to his disqualification. President Biya, however, remains steadfast in his ambitions, insisting he still has much to contribute to the nation, despite nearly 43 years in power.
Two former allies of Biya, Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, will also contest the election, vying for votes in the populous northern regions of the country. Biya’s efforts to connect with the youth, such as a social media revamp, have not been enough to significantly engage younger voters.
Kamto's disqualification stems from complications within his recently aligned party, Manidem. Although he was officially endorsed as a candidate, another individual from a splinter faction registered under the same party's name, leading to his rejection. Anicet Ekane, president of Manidem, condemned the exclusion as "arbitrary and provocative," signaling a potential legal challenge to the decision, which needs to occur within two days as per electoral law.
Disqualified candidates include notable figures such as anti-corruption lawyer Akere Muna and Social Democratic Front leader Joshua Osih, who are among those cleared to run. Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya stands out as the sole female candidate in this race. The unfolding political landscape in Cameroon has raised significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process as the nation prepares for another political season.
Kamto, a key rival in the 2018 elections where he finished second amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud, has yet to respond publicly to his disqualification. President Biya, however, remains steadfast in his ambitions, insisting he still has much to contribute to the nation, despite nearly 43 years in power.
Two former allies of Biya, Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, will also contest the election, vying for votes in the populous northern regions of the country. Biya’s efforts to connect with the youth, such as a social media revamp, have not been enough to significantly engage younger voters.
Kamto's disqualification stems from complications within his recently aligned party, Manidem. Although he was officially endorsed as a candidate, another individual from a splinter faction registered under the same party's name, leading to his rejection. Anicet Ekane, president of Manidem, condemned the exclusion as "arbitrary and provocative," signaling a potential legal challenge to the decision, which needs to occur within two days as per electoral law.
Disqualified candidates include notable figures such as anti-corruption lawyer Akere Muna and Social Democratic Front leader Joshua Osih, who are among those cleared to run. Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya stands out as the sole female candidate in this race. The unfolding political landscape in Cameroon has raised significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process as the nation prepares for another political season.
