Cameroon’s electoral commission disqualifies Biya’s opponent from presidential race

Cameroon’s main opposition leader, Maurice Kamto, has been barred from participating in the country’s upcoming presidential election, the electoral commission (ELECAM) announced on Saturday.

Kamto, a respected academic and former government minister, was widely regarded as the most credible challenger to President Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for over four decades.

Kamto finished second in the 2018 election, securing 14% of the vote, though the results were contested amid accusations of vote rigging.

ELECAM cited legal grounds for Kamto’s disqualification, stating that his party, the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM), is no longer eligible to nominate a candidate.

The commission said the CRM’s decision to boycott the 2020 legislative and municipal elections violates Section 121 of the electoral code, which disqualifies parties that fail to participate in those polls.

The exclusion of Kamto, 71, has sparked concerns of possible unrest and raises questions about the credibility of the electoral process.

Only 12 out of more than 80 initial applicants have been cleared to run in the October 12 election.

Meanwhile, 92-year-old President Biya has confirmed he will seek an eighth term in office, further solidifying his position as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.