Cameroon’s opposition leader Maurice Kamto has been barred from contesting the 12 October 2025 presidential election after the country’s electoral body, Elecam, excluded him from the final list of candidates. Out of 83 applications submitted, only 13 were approved, sparking widespread controversy.
Kamto, who came second in the disputed 2018 election marred by fraud allegations, was disqualified due to a dispute within the Manidem party under which he registered. Despite being officially endorsed by the party’s ruling body, another faction submitted a parallel candidacy, prompting Elecam to invalidate both. Manidem president Anicet Ekane slammed the decision as “arbitrary and provocative” and vowed to appeal to the Constitutional Council, urging Cameroonians to remain calm as the legal challenge proceeds.
Meanwhile, President Paul Biya, 92, the world’s oldest head of state, has confirmed his bid for an unprecedented eighth term after nearly 43 years in power. Despite calls to step down, Biya insists he still has “much to offer” Cameroonians. His main challengers include former allies Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, both from the influential northern region, as well as renowned anti-corruption lawyer Akere Muna, Social Democratic Front leader Joshua Osih, and lawmaker Cabral Libii. Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya, the firebrand mayor of Foumban, is the only female candidate cleared to run.
Kamto’s exclusion has raised fresh concerns about the credibility of the upcoming election, especially as his Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) was barred from endorsing a candidate this year due to its lack of parliamentary or local council representation. Analysts warn that the move could further erode public trust in Cameroon’s democratic process as Biya seeks to extend his decades-long rule amid growing calls for political reform.
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