Cameroon’s electoral council has released a provisional list of candidates for the upcoming presidential election set for October 12, and Maurice Kamto, a key opposition figure, has not been included.
The announcement, made on Saturday, confirmed only 13 approved candidates out of the 83 individuals who had submitted applications to contest the presidency.
Kamto, 71, is widely regarded as the main challenger to longtime President Paul Biya. He officially filed his candidacy last week under the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM).
In the last presidential election held in 2018, Kamto ran under the banner of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC), finishing in second place behind Biya.
The electoral council did not provide specific reasons for rejecting Kamto’s candidacy.
However, the decision could still be contested as the council reviews any appeals before finalizing the official list of candidates in the coming days.
President Paul Biya, who is now 92 years old, has ruled Cameroon since 1982 and is seeking an eighth term in office.
Despite his advanced age, Biya has shown no signs of stepping down, maintaining strong control over the political system.
Among those approved to run in the upcoming election are Bello Bouba Maigari, a former prime minister and long-time ally of Biya, and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who resigned as minister of employment in June to join the race.
The absence of Kamto from the race is expected to reshape the dynamics of the election, as he has remained one of the most prominent opposition voices in the country.
The final list of candidates will be announced after all legal challenges to the provisional list have been reviewed.