Cameroon’s Main Opposition Candidate Barred from Elections

Addis Ababa, August 6, 2025 (ENA)—Cameroon’s Constitutional Council has disqualified Maurice Kamto, President Paul Biya’s most prominent challenger, from the upcoming October 12 presidential election.

Kamto, 71, was seeking to run under the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) after resigning from the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) in June.

Council President Clement Atangana ruled Kamto’s appeal admissible but declared it “unfounded,” stating his candidacy failed to meet the legal criteria required.

Under Cameroon’s electoral code, only parties with elected MPs or municipal councillors may field presidential candidates—criteria MANIDEM does not meet.

The MRC, which Kamto represented in 2018 when he placed second to Biya, boycotted the 2020 legislative and municipal elections, rendering it ineligible.

Kamto’s disqualification has sparked widespread concern, including from Human Rights Watch, which warned the decision casts doubt on the election’s legitimacy.

“This exclusion will leave a shadow over whatever results are eventually announced,” said HRW’s senior Africa researcher Ilaria Allegrozzi.

MANIDEM President Anicet Ekane denounced the decision as political, stating the party was still reflecting on next steps.

Meanwhile, 13 of 83 presidential hopefuls have been approved, including Biya, 92, who seeks an eighth term, and rivals Cabral Libii and Joshua Osih.

Authorities also arrested several individuals near the Ministry of Territorial Administration, accusing them of disturbing public order, according to Radar Africa website.

Opposition parties, reeling from Kamto’s exclusion, pledged to unite behind a single candidate, though no name has yet been announced.

The Council’s sessions were not broadcast live, deepening concerns over transparency and democratic integrity in the electoral process.