Cameroon’s opposition leader Maurice Kamto has been excluded from the list of candidates in the October 12 presidential election, with only 13 out of 83 names submitted to the country’s electoral body Elecam being accepted.
Kamto, who came second in the 2018 elections amid allegations of fraud, was barred due to a dispute within the Manidem party, where another candidate from a splinter group also registered himself under the party’s name.
The 92-year-old President Paul Biya, who has been in power for nearly 43 years, was included on the list and will seek an eighth term in office.
Biya will face challenges from two former allies, Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, both from the vote-rich north of the country.
Other candidates cleared to run include renowned anti-corruption lawyer Akere Muna, Social Democratic Front leader Joshua Osih, and lawmaker Cabral Libii, with Firebrand Mayor of Foumban Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya being the only female candidate.
Manidem president Anicet Ekane described Kamto’s exclusion as “arbitrary and provocative,” calling on Cameroonians to show calm and restraint while they turn to the Constitutional Council to challenge the decision. Those disqualified have two days to file a legal challenge.
