Maurice Kamto, a prominent opposition leader and major contender in the previous presidential elections, has been barred from participating in the upcoming elections set for October 12.
Cameroon Excludes Key Opposition Figure from Presidential Election
Cameroon Excludes Key Opposition Figure from Presidential Election
Cameroon's electoral body ignores Maurice Kamto's candidacy ahead of the long-standing president's bid for re-election.
Kamto’s exclusion raises concerns about the integrity of the political process, as the veteran leader and president, Paul Biya, seeks an eighth term amid increasing scrutiny.
Cameroon's opposition leader Maurice Kamto has been barred from the electoral candidacy list for the presidential elections scheduled for October 12, where current President Paul Biya, the world's oldest sitting president at 92, is aiming for a controversial eighth term. Out of 83 candidates submitted to the country's electoral authority, Elecam, only 13 were accepted, with no explanation provided for Kamto's disqualification. Kamto, who previously finished second in the 2018 elections amid allegations of electoral fraud, struggled to secure his party's endorsement due to a lack of elected parliamentary representatives. Now aligned with the Manidem party, which has local representation, he faces a significant political setback. President Biya has indicated his determination to continue serving despite nearly 43 years in office, facing challenges from former allies, while the political landscape remains contentious. The deadline for disqualified candidates to appeal their exclusion is set at two days, hinting at an ongoing political struggle within the nation.
Cameroon's opposition leader Maurice Kamto has been barred from the electoral candidacy list for the presidential elections scheduled for October 12, where current President Paul Biya, the world's oldest sitting president at 92, is aiming for a controversial eighth term. Out of 83 candidates submitted to the country's electoral authority, Elecam, only 13 were accepted, with no explanation provided for Kamto's disqualification. Kamto, who previously finished second in the 2018 elections amid allegations of electoral fraud, struggled to secure his party's endorsement due to a lack of elected parliamentary representatives. Now aligned with the Manidem party, which has local representation, he faces a significant political setback. President Biya has indicated his determination to continue serving despite nearly 43 years in office, facing challenges from former allies, while the political landscape remains contentious. The deadline for disqualified candidates to appeal their exclusion is set at two days, hinting at an ongoing political struggle within the nation.
