Cameroon Bars Opposition Leader Maurice Kamto from Presidential Race as Biya Seeks Eighth Term

Cameroon’s prominent opposition leader Maurice Kamto has been barred from contesting in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 12, 2025—paving the way for 92-year-old President Paul Biya to seek an eighth term in office.

Kamto, who was President Biya’s main challenger in the 2018 elections, was not among the 13 candidates approved by the national electoral commission, Elecam, out of a total of 83 submitted applications. The decision has stirred controversy, with political observers describing it as a significant blow to opposition hopes in a country where Biya has ruled for nearly 43 years.

No official comment has been made by Kamto so far regarding his disqualification.

Contested Candidacy

Kamto’s exclusion stems from a dispute within the Manidem party, under which he had registered after his own Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) was disqualified from nominating a candidate due to its lack of parliamentary or local representation. Though Kamto had been officially adopted by Manidem’s leadership, a rival faction also submitted a different candidate under the same party banner.

Manidem president Anicet Ekane denounced the decision as “arbitrary and provocative,” urging citizens to remain calm.

“For the moment, it is only an offside goal,” Ekane said. “This tackle from behind must be sanctioned by the Constitutional Council, which we will turn to.”

Candidates who were rejected have two days to file a legal appeal with the Constitutional Council.

Biya Moves Ahead Amid Calls to Step Down

President Paul Biya, currently the world’s oldest sitting head of state, is pressing forward with his campaign, asserting that he still has more to contribute despite widespread calls for him to retire.

He will face two notable challengers—former allies Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari—both of whom hail from Cameroon’s vote-rich northern region.

Among the approved candidates are also:

• Akere Muna – A prominent anti-corruption lawyer

• Joshua Osih – Leader of the Social Democratic Front (SDF)

• Cabral Libii – Member of Parliament and 2018 presidential candidate

• Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya – Mayor of Foumban and the only female candidate on the list

With Kamto sidelined and opposition voices fragmented, many Cameroonians question whether the October polls will bring meaningful change or reinforce Biya’s long-standing grip on power.