A storm of criticism has erupted in Cameroon following the disqualification of Maurice Kamto from participating in the country’s October presidential election. The nation’s electoral commission, Elecam, approved only 13 out of the 83 applications submitted, sparking outrage from political opponents and civil society.
Maurice Kamto, a prominent opposition figure and former justice minister, had sought to challenge President Paul Biya’s decades-long rule. His exclusion, however, has ignited accusations of bias and constitutional violations. Ndong Christopher, Secretary-General of the Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon (MRC), condemned Elecam’s actions, stating, “Our candidate was arbitrarily refused to be shortlisted by Elecam.”
“Elecam is violating the electoral code, the constitution of this country. So we are very confident that the constitutional court, which is made of magistrates of high standards, will look at the law… and look at the documents Maurice Kamto gives.”
Ndong Christopher
Kamto’s legal team promptly appealed Elecam’s decision within the 48-hour window provided for objections. Although the final verdict is not expected for another two months, Christopher voiced cautious optimism, pointing out that Kamto met all legal requirements.
“We are not excepting much from them,” Christopher admitted, “but we are saying that Maurice Kamto’s candidature is suffering from nothing against the law. The law is on our side.” He argued that if the Constitutional Council fulfills its legal duty, it will validate Kamto’s application.
Elecam claims Kamto cannot run because the political party under which he filed his candidacy, MANIDEM, had already endorsed another candidate. However, Christopher strongly disputes this justification, pointing to inconsistencies in how Elecam applies the rules.
“We are saying CPDM has several lists, UPC has several lists, UNIVER has several lists, MANIDEM has several lists. Why only Maurice Kamto and MANIDEM?”
Ndong Christopher
“There’s some degree of inequity, and of course hatred, injustice.” Christopher also indicated they would seek redress in lower courts if necessary.
Despite widespread condemnation from opposition parties, the presidential race is moving forward. The election, set for October 12, will include the candidacies of Paul Biya of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), Cabral Libii of the PCRN, and Josuah Osih of the SDF. All three have had their candidacies validated without incident.
Kamto, however, remains in limbo, pending the Constitutional Council’s decision.
Biya Eyes Eighth Term Amid Criticism
President Paul Biya, now 92, is aiming for an unprecedented eighth term. He has ruled Cameroon since 1982, making him the world’s oldest serving president and the second-longest non-royal leader in Africa. His extended rule has been facilitated through sweeping constitutional reforms, including the controversial removal of term limits in 2008.
Observers say Biya has tightened his grip through calculated cabinet reshuffles and military appointments, placing loyalists in influential positions. These measures, combined with strict control over the media and civil society, have allowed him to maintain power despite periodic outcries over election fairness and political repression.
Opposition figures argue that Biya’s dominance, enabled by the CPDM’s near-monopoly on state institutions, makes a level electoral playing field impossible. Kamto’s disqualification only fuels this belief, suggesting systemic manipulation rather than administrative oversight.
“With the Tasies coalition’s announcement…the country now has two governments for the first time in its modern history,” opposition leader Babiker Faisal noted in a separate critique of the current political crisis. While referring to broader issues, his remark encapsulates the growing unease around Cameroon’s democratic trajectory.
As the presidential campaign season heats up, many Cameroonians will be watching the Constitutional Council’s next move, one that may determine not only Kamto’s fate but also the credibility of the upcoming elections.
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