A prominent challenger to Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya has been barred from contesting the upcoming presidential election.
Maurice Kamto, 71, was not listed among the 13 approved candidates for the 12 October vote, according to a provisional list released Saturday. Kamto had submitted his candidacy last week, joining 83 hopefuls who sought clearance from the national electoral council.
The council is expected to publish the final list in the coming days, following a review of any legal objections to the initial selections. Kamto, who came second in the 2018 election, had planned to run this time under the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM).
Five years ago, he ran as the flagbearer of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC), drawing significant support in urban areas. President Biya, 92, in power since 1982, is pursuing an eighth term, cementing his status as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
Among those cleared to run are Bello Bouba Maigari, a former prime minister and longtime Biya ally, and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who resigned as employment minister in June to enter the race.
Kamto’s exclusion has raised concerns about the credibility of the vote and the openness of Cameroon’s political landscape. Many view Kamto as the most serious contender capable of galvanising opposition forces against the entrenched regime.
The barring of key challengers has become a hallmark of Cameroonian elections, where critics allege the system is skewed in favour of the ruling elite. As the country edges toward the October poll, questions remain over whether the race will offer genuine democratic choice—or simply reaffirm the status quo.