Maurice Kamto, a prominent opposition leader in Cameroon, has been banned from participating in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 12, 2023, amid allegations of electoral malpractice that have marred previous contests.
Cameroon Opposition Excluded from Presidential Race Ahead of Election
Cameroon Opposition Excluded from Presidential Race Ahead of Election
Exclusion of key candidate raises questions about electoral fairness in Cameroon.
In a surprising announcement from the country's electoral body, Elecam, only 13 out of 83 candidates were accepted to contest the election. The decision not to include Kamto, who was the runner-up in the 2018 elections, has sparked outrage and calls for transparency, particularly as no explanation has been provided for his disqualification. President Paul Biya, the world's oldest serving president at 92, is set to run for an unprecedented eighth term following his nearly 43 years in power, and he is determined to remain in office despite mounting criticism.
Biya will face challenges from former allies like Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, both hailing from the northern regions of Cameroon, which are significant for their electoral weight. Meanwhile, Kamto, who represented the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) in the past elections, shifted to the Manidem party to navigate the evolving political landscape after the CRM was barred from endorsing candidates this year.
Among other candidates cleared to run are renowned anti-corruption lawyer Akere Muna, Social Democratic Front (SDF) leader Joshua Osih, and the vibrant lawmaker Cabral Libii. Notably, the only female candidate on the list is the outspoken Mayor of Foumban, Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya. Disqualified candidates have a limited timeframe of two days to contest their exclusions at the constitutional council, raising hopes for a potential challenge to the ongoing electoral process.
For continued coverage and insights on Cameroon's political climate, follow our channels for updates.
Biya will face challenges from former allies like Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, both hailing from the northern regions of Cameroon, which are significant for their electoral weight. Meanwhile, Kamto, who represented the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) in the past elections, shifted to the Manidem party to navigate the evolving political landscape after the CRM was barred from endorsing candidates this year.
Among other candidates cleared to run are renowned anti-corruption lawyer Akere Muna, Social Democratic Front (SDF) leader Joshua Osih, and the vibrant lawmaker Cabral Libii. Notably, the only female candidate on the list is the outspoken Mayor of Foumban, Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya. Disqualified candidates have a limited timeframe of two days to contest their exclusions at the constitutional council, raising hopes for a potential challenge to the ongoing electoral process.
For continued coverage and insights on Cameroon's political climate, follow our channels for updates.
