A prominent opponent of Cameroon’s long-time President Paul Biya has entered the race for the country’s October 12 presidential election.
Maurice Kamto, 71, officially submitted his candidacy, according to a list released Friday by election authorities. He will represent the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM), a party founded in the 1990s with strong Pan-Africanist roots.
Kamto, who finished second in the 2018 presidential vote, previously led the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC). MANIDEM leader Anicet Ekane confirmed Kamto would leave the MRC to join their ranks.
Biya, now 92, has ruled the central African nation since 1982 and is seeking an unprecedented eighth term in office. His lengthy reign makes him one of the world’s longest-serving leaders.
The race has drawn 19 candidates so far, including former prime minister Bello Bouba Maigari, a close Biya ally for nearly three decades. Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who resigned as employment minister in June, has also declared his candidacy.
The final list of approved candidates will be published in early August, as Cameroon enters a pivotal chapter in its political journey.