Cameroon’s political landscape has been thrown into fresh turmoil following the disqualification of prominent opposition leader Maurice Kamto from the country’s upcoming presidential election. Kamto, who finished as runner-up in the 2018 elections, has formally filed an appeal with the country’s Constitutional Council, challenging the electoral commission’s decision to bar his candidacy for the crucial October 2025 vote.
The appeal was lodged on Monday, just days after Cameroon’s national electoral body, Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), announced that Kamto was ineligible to contest. ELECAM cited procedural irregularities involving Kamto’s affiliation with MANIDEM (African Democratic Movement), a party which, according to the commission, had already submitted a different candidate for the 2025 presidential race.
Kamto and his supporters have denounced the move as politically motivated, accusing ELECAM of selective enforcement of electoral rules and undermining the country’s fragile democracy.
Kamto: “This is a Violation of Democracy”
In a strongly worded statement released after filing his appeal, Kamto described ELECAM’s decision as a “blatant violation of democratic principles” and a deliberate effort to suppress opposition voices ahead of a critical election.
“Cameroon deserves free, fair, and competitive elections. The rules must apply to all, not selectively,” Kamto said. “My exclusion is not only illegal but also a dangerous signal for the democratic future of our nation.”
The Constitutional Council, which is responsible for resolving electoral disputes, is expected to issue a ruling in the coming weeks. Legal experts say the case could become a major test of the council’s independence and transparency, especially in a political climate increasingly marked by repression and centralization of power.
Disputed Reasoning Behind the Disqualification
According to ELECAM, Kamto’s candidacy was invalid because his party—MANIDEM—had already registered another contender, which violates the electoral code’s provision that each political party may only present a single presidential candidate. However, Kamto’s legal team argues that the nomination process within MANIDEM had not been finalized at the time of his submission, and that his candidacy was properly authorized by the party’s legitimate governing body.
Supporters of Kamto further claim that several other political parties have also fielded multiple candidates in recent elections without facing similar sanctions, raising concerns about inconsistent enforcement of the law. Critics say the ruling appears to target Kamto specifically, given his status as the leading opposition figure with a genuine nationwide support base.
“This is clearly a double standard,” said Albert Nkou, a member of Kamto’s campaign team. “They are afraid of his popularity, especially among young Cameroonians and urban voters who are eager for change.”
Biya’s Long Shadow
At the center of the controversy is Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest and longest-serving head of state, who has ruled the Central African nation since 1982. Despite his advanced age and growing public frustration over economic hardship and political stagnation, Biya is widely expected to seek yet another term in office this year.
Biya’s government has long been accused by rights groups of suppressing dissent, silencing opposition voices, and manipulating state institutions to prolong his grip on power. The exclusion of Kamto, who is seen as Biya’s most credible challenger, has fueled speculation that the ruling party is orchestrating an electoral process designed to guarantee a predictable outcome.
Kamto, a former justice minister and respected legal scholar, rose to prominence during the 2018 election, where he claimed victory despite official results showing Biya winning with more than 70% of the vote. His rejection of the results led to mass protests, a government crackdown, and his subsequent arrest in 2019. He was released later that year under pressure from the international community but remains a vocal critic of the Biya regime.
Rising Tensions and International Concern
The disqualification has already drawn attention beyond Cameroon’s borders. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) has issued an internal advisory warning that Kamto’s exclusion could trigger public demonstrations in the capital Yaoundé, particularly as election season intensifies.
“The risk of spontaneous or organized protests cannot be ruled out, especially if key opposition figures are barred from participation,” the UNDSS bulletin said. “Authorities should remain vigilant, and political stakeholders are urged to prioritize dialogue and democratic norms.”
Regional observers from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and international human rights organizations have also raised concerns about the credibility of the upcoming polls, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive political process in maintaining stability.
Cameroonians React
The decision has sparked a flurry of reactions from Cameroonian citizens, many of whom took to social media to express outrage and disillusionment with the political process. “It’s no longer an election—it’s a coronation,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “They want to silence every voice of change.”
Civil society groups have also begun mobilizing, calling for peaceful demonstrations and demanding transparency in how candidates are vetted and approved. “Democracy is meaningless if viable contenders are removed before the race even begins,” said Michelle Talla, spokesperson for the Cameroon Civil Rights Forum.
Kamto’s team has urged calm among supporters but insists they will pursue all legal and constitutional avenues to ensure his reinstatement. “This battle is not just about one man—it’s about preserving democracy for all Cameroonians,” said a senior campaign official.
A Nation at the Crossroads
As the Constitutional Council reviews Kamto’s appeal, Cameroon finds itself once again at a democratic crossroads. With Biya clinging to power after more than four decades, and opposition voices being sidelined, the October 2025 election may serve as a defining moment in the country’s political evolution.
Whether the electoral authorities will reverse their decision—and whether Cameroon can hold an election that reflects the will of its people—remains to be seen. For now, the future of the race hangs in the balance, and the eyes of both Cameroonians and the international community are closely watching.
