Cameroon Excludes Opposition Leader Kamto From Presidential Race

 

Cameroon’s electoral commission (ELECAM) has disqualified Maurice Kamto, the main opposition figure, from the upcoming presidential election, raising fears of unrest and reinforcing the chances of another term for President Paul Biya.

ELECAM announced a provisional list of 13 approved candidates on Saturday, excluding Kamto without explanation. Candidates have two days to appeal the decision.

Kamto, 71, previously came second in the 2018 election with 14% of the vote. This year, he sought to run under the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) after founding and leading the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC).

Tensions rose following the announcement, with security forces deployed in Yaoundé and Douala. The UN had warned of potential protests. Eighty-three candidates had submitted bids.

Biya, 92, whose rule has been marred by allegations of corruption, has been in power since 1982. He confirmed that he will seek re-election on October 12.

Also approved to run are Biya allies Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma Bakary. The final candidate list will be confirmed after appeals are reviewed.