Cameroonian opposition figure Maurice Kamto has strongly condemned his disqualification from the country’s October 12 presidential election, describing the move as politically motivated and unjust.
In his first public reaction since the announcement of his exclusion by the electoral commission and the constitutional council on Tuesday, Kamto took to social media to denounce the decision as “arbitrary,” alleging it was orchestrated by President Paul Biya’s ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).
“The CPDM regime made up its mind long ago to prevent me from contesting in the 2025 presidential election,” Kamto said in the video, insisting there was no legal basis for the rejection of his candidacy.
Kamto, who previously ran under his Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM), chose this time to contest under the banner of the Manidem party to avoid technical disqualification due to past issues surrounding CRM. However, internal disputes within Manidem—resulting in the submission of two separate presidential candidates—reportedly led to his exclusion.
Despite the controversy, Kamto refrained from addressing growing calls for him to support another opposition candidate or back a coalition to challenge Biya’s decades-long rule.
Meanwhile, President Paul Biya, aged 92 and currently the world’s oldest sitting head of state, is seeking re-election for the eighth time. His bid comes amid widespread concerns over his health and increasing criticism of his leadership, which has been marred by corruption scandals, authoritarian governance, and a prolonged separatist crisis in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions.
Other notable contenders approved for the race include former Prime Minister Bello Bouba Maigari, a longtime ally of Biya, and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who recently resigned as Minister of Employment to join the presidential contest.
The election is seen as a critical test for Cameroon’s democracy, as the country grapples with growing discontent over political repression, economic stagnation, and ongoing internal conflict.
