Cameroon’s main opposition leader, Maurice Kamto, has been excluded from the final list of candidates for the country’s upcoming presidential election, clearing the path for 92-year-old President Paul Biya to pursue a ninth term in office.
The national electoral commission released the final list of 13 approved candidates on Sunday, ahead of the October 13 polls. Kamto, leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) and runner-up in the 2018 presidential election, was conspicuously absent, despite 83 individuals having initially declared interest in running.
Kamto, seen as the most formidable challenger to Biya’s decades-long rule, had been widely expected to compete once again. His exclusion has sparked widespread debate over the credibility and fairness of the electoral process in the Central African nation.
Biya, who has held power since 1982, is one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. His decision to seek another term has intensified scrutiny of Cameroon’s political landscape, particularly as opposition figures face mounting obstacles in securing ballot access.
Political analysts warn Kamto’s disqualification risks further polarizing the electorate and undermining public trust in the democratic process. Many argue that the absence of a major contender could lead to voter apathy, protests, or renewed political instability in a country already grappling with security challenges in its Anglophone regions and economic pressures.
With Biya’s candidacy virtually unchallenged by any heavyweight opposition figure, the election is widely seen as a pivotal moment for Cameroon’s future governance. Observers say the developments raise questions about whether the upcoming vote will bring genuine competition or simply extend Biya’s four-decade rule.
About The Author
