As the Cameroon presidential election 2025 approaches, the political atmosphere in the Central African nation is heating up with controversy, disappointment, and growing concern about democratic integrity. One of the most talked-about developments in recent weeks has been the exclusion of prominent opposition leader Maurice Kamto from the official list of presidential candidates, a move that has triggered debate both domestically and internationally.
Cameroon’s electoral body, Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), released the official list of approved candidates for the October 12 election, sparking waves across the nation. Out of 83 submitted applications, only 13 were accepted, raising eyebrows over the fairness and transparency of the process.
Notably absent from the list is Kamto, the 2018 runner-up and fierce critic of the current regime. His exclusion has added fuel to an already volatile political environment, described by analysts as part of an ongoing Cameroon political crisis that has eroded public trust in the country’s democratic institutions.
Maurice Kamto Excluded Without Explanation
Kamto, who led the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) in the 2018 elections and came in second amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud, was widely expected to run again this year. However, ELECAM’s candidate list did not include his name, and no official explanation was provided for the rejection of his candidacy.
According to ELECAM’s current rules, parties that do not have elected officials in the national assembly or local councils are not eligible to endorse a presidential candidate. The CRM currently lacks such representation, making the party ineligible to nominate Kamto. To navigate this obstacle, Kamto recently joined the Manidem Party, which does meet the eligibility criteria. Despite this strategic move, his name still did not appear on the final approved list, prompting serious questions about procedural fairness.
This move has sparked outrage among Kamto’s supporters and human rights groups, many of whom view it as an orchestrated attempt to silence opposition voices ahead of one of the most consequential elections in Cameroonian history.
Paul Biya Seeks Eighth Term Amid Rising Tensions
The world’s oldest incumbent president, Paul Biya, 92, is at the center of this political tempest after announcing his bid for a historic eighth term in office. Biya is one of the world’s longest-serving leaders, having held the position since 1982.
Despite growing calls for political renewal and generational change, Biya remains defiant. His campaign emphasizes stability, experience, and continuity key themes he believes still resonate with many Cameroonians. “I still have much to offer my country,” Biya declared recently, signaling his refusal to step down amid a global wave of leadership transitions.
His bid for re-election comes at a time when the country faces multiple crises, including separatist violence in the Anglophone regions, economic stagnation, and public disillusionment with state institutions. The prospect of a Paul Biya eighth term has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters citing his decades of leadership and critics warning of deepening authoritarianism.
Other Presidential Candidates in the Spotlight
Although the election will proceed without Kamto, several other key figures have been approved to run, providing some semblance of competitive politics in the tightly controlled political landscape.
Among the approved Cameroon presidential candidates 2025 are Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, both former allies of Biya who have since broken ranks. Their presence on the ballot introduces intriguing dynamics, especially considering their influence in the country’s vote-rich northern regions.
Also competing are well-known lawyer and anti-corruption advocate Akere Muna, Social Democratic Front (SDF) leader Joshua Osih, and Cabral Libii, a young Member of Parliament known for mobilizing youth through social media campaigns. The sole female candidate on the list is Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya, the vocal mayor of Foumban, whose campaign has been hailed as a victory for gender representation in American politics.
While these names bring diversity to the race, critics argue that without Kamto, the election lacks a formidable opposition capable of truly challenging the incumbent regime.
Cameroon Elections Update: Uncertainty Looms
With Kamto sidelined, many observers are now questioning the legitimacy of the Cameroon presidential election 2025. The lack of transparency around candidate disqualifications, combined with persistent unrest and limited press freedom, paints a worrying picture of democratic decline.
The Cameroon opposition leader 2025 saga has also drawn international attention. Human rights organizations have called for transparency, fair access for all candidates, and the need for international election observers to monitor the process closely. The fear of voter apathy is growing, as many Cameroonians feel disenfranchised and doubtful that their votes will bring about real change.
Social media platforms are now abuzz with the Maurice Kamto news, as supporters use hashtags and digital campaigns to amplify their voices in the face of traditional media restrictions.