As President Paul Biya seeks an unprecedented eighth term at age 92, the exclusion of opposition leader Maurice Kamto has ignited outrage. With a total of 12 candidates approved to run, the political atmosphere in Cameroon is charged, while calls for opposition unity grow louder in hope of challenging Biya's long-standing reign.
President Paul Biya Cleared for Eighth Term Amid Controversy in Cameroon Election
President Paul Biya Cleared for Eighth Term Amid Controversy in Cameroon Election
Cameroon's Constitutional Council allows President Paul Biya to run again, sidelining his main rival Maurice Kamto, amidst rising tensions and potential electoral challenges.
Cameroon is gearing up for a highly contentious presidential election on October 12, where the nation's constitutional council has authorized 92-year-old incumbent President Paul Biya to seek a remarkable eighth term. This decision follows the disqualification of prominent opposition leader Maurice Kamto, who has been a vocal critic of Biya's authoritarian rule.
Kamto's exclusion stemmed from internal conflict within his party which resulted in a rival faction backing another candidate, showcasing the deep divisions that plague the opposition at a critical moment. His legal team decried the ruling as a politically motivated maneuver rather than a strictly legal one, igniting protests among his supporters.
The electoral body, Elections Cameroon (Elecam), reviewed applications from 83 candidates and determined that only 12 met the requirements to be put forth. While Biya remains a dominant figure due to his historically unbroken electoral victories since the reintroduction of multi-party politics in the 1990s, allegations of election rigging have cast a shadow over his rule.
Notable candidates now include:
1. **Paul Biya**: Having ruled since 1982, Biya's ongoing bid positions him as a veteran candidate promising to focus on women's and youth issues.
2. **Bello Bouba Maigari**: At 78, the former prime minister and a seasoned politician has solidified his stance against Biya after years of political partnership.
3. **Issa Tchiroma Bakary**: A former Biya supporter and minister at 75, Tchiroma has shifted to contest against his former boss, vowing to reform the political system he has critiqued.
4. **Cabral Libii**: A notable figure who previously placed third, Libii seeks to elevate his party's influence and appeal to the younger electorate.
5. **Akere Muna**: An anti-corruption advocate, Muna emphasizes his political lineage and promises significant reforms if elected.
6. **Joshua Osih**: Hoping to revive the faded influence of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), Osih represents a party with a storied past that now faces internal struggles.
Despite the presence of these experienced candidates, analysts note that the fragmentation of the opposition could play into Biya’s hands. Political experts emphasize that for significant change to occur, the various factions within the opposition must consider a unified approach.
Key voices in civil society express urgency for the opposition to consolidate around a single candidate, echoing the strategy that nearly brought victory in the 1992 elections when John Fru Ndi came within striking distance of dethroning Biya. The stakes are high as the political scenario unfolds, with many Cameroonians wondering whether this election will result in a break from the past or a continuation of Biya's long-standing tenure.
