Cameroon’s Electoral Commission (ELECAM) has released the official list of candidates approved to contest in the country’s presidential election scheduled for October 12, notably excluding prominent opposition figure Maurice Kamto.
Out of 83 individuals who submitted their candidacy, only 13 were cleared by ELECAM, as announced on Saturday, July 26. The commission did not provide a clear explanation for Kamto’s disqualification.
Kamto, who was runner-up in the 2018 presidential election, recently announced his departure from the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) — the party under which he previously ran — to secure endorsement from the African Democratic Rally of Cameroon (MANIDEM), a party with recognized local representation. The CRM was unable to endorse any candidate due to its lack of elected representatives in Parliament or local councils, prompting Kamto’s strategic move.
Among those approved to contest is 92-year-old incumbent President Paul Biya, who has held power since 1982 and is widely regarded as the frontrunner. Despite mounting criticism and calls to step down, Biya insists he still has much to offer Cameroonians.
Also on the final list are:
- Akere Muna, a well-known anti-corruption lawyer;
- Joshua Osih, leader of the Social Democratic Front (SDF);
- Cabral Libii, a sitting lawmaker and rising political figure;
- Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya, the sole female candidate and a firebrand mayor;
Former Biya allies Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, both hailing from the politically significant northern region.
Political observers have raised concerns over Kamto’s exclusion, alleging that the move may have been orchestrated to prevent him from mounting a serious challenge against Biya in this year’s election.
Candidates disqualified from the race have 48 hours to appeal ELECAM’s decision by filing a petition with the Constitutional Council.
As the campaign season kicks off, the spotlight remains on the evolving political landscape and whether this election will usher in meaningful change or further entrench the Biya regime.
