Maurice Kamto Challenges Election Disqualification In Cameroon

Cameroonian opposition leader Maurice Kamto has appealed his exclusion from the 2025 presidential ballot. The electoral commission, ELECAM, announced that only 13 of the 83 applicants, including incumbent President Paul Biya, were cleared for the October 12 vote. Kamto, widely regarded as Biya’s main challenger, was left off the shortlist and quickly lodged an appeal with the Constitutional Council within the legal two day window.

The electoral body cited legal issues surrounding Kamto’s nomination, stating that his new party, MANIDEM, lacked elected officials, a requirement under Article 121(1) of the 2012 Electoral Code. They argued that his transition from the former party, MRC, did not meet the conditions. Kamto’s camp disputes this interpretation, insisting the rule does not apply to presidential elections and has taken the case to the Constitutional Council.

The opposition condemned the move as politically motivated, accusing the commission of working to protect the ruling party’s interests. They pledged to pursue all legal avenues to overturn the decision. Meanwhile, concerns have grown over possible unrest, prompting heightened security measures in major cities such as Yaoundé and Douala.

Kamto, who captured about 14% of votes in the 2018 presidential race, remains barred from the 2025 contest unless his appeal succeeds.