Cameroon's political landscape is heating up as Maurice Kamto, a prominent opposition leader, has been sidelined from the upcoming presidential election slated for October 12. The electoral body, Elecam, has only accepted 13 out of the 83 candidates submitted, with no explanation given for Kamto's exclusion.
Kamto previously ran in the 2018 elections, where he finished second amidst claims of election fraud. With the world's oldest president, 92-year-old Paul Biya, vying for an unprecedented eighth term, the political tension is palpable. Biya, who has ruled the country for nearly 43 years, insists he still has much to contribute, despite growing calls for him to relinquish power.
Among the contenders joining Biya in the race are former allies Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, both from the north, a region known for its rich voting base. Due to Kamto's party, the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM), lacking sufficient representation, he recently switched his candidacy to the Manidem party which has local standing.
The cleared candidates also include notable figures such as anti-corruption lawyer Akere Muna and Social Democratic Front (SDF) leader Joshua Osih. Interestingly, firebrand Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya stands out as the only female candidate. For those disqualified, including Kamto, the opportunity to challenge the decision exists within a two-day window at the constitutional council.
