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Cameroon’s top court rejects Maurice Kamto’s candidacy, sparking political outcry
Cameroon’s Constitutional Council has definitively rejected the presidential candidacy of opposition figure Maurice Kamto for the upcoming election scheduled for October 12, 2025. The decision, described by his supporters as politically motivated, leaves the leader of the opposition without legal recourse.
Kamto, a key figure in the opposition and former head of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC), had sought to run under the banner of the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (Manidem). However, the country’s electoral body, Elecam, refused his application due to the submission of two candidates from the same party, which is explicitly prohibited under Cameroon’s electoral code.
With no authority to intervene in internal party disputes, the Constitutional Council upheld Elecam’s decision, effectively disqualifying both candidates. The ruling closes the door to Kamto’s participation in this crucial election, raising concern among his supporters.
“This decision was expected. It's clearly politically orchestrated,” said Henri Kontchou, one of Kamto’s lawyers. Political analyst Aristide Mono echoed that view, suggesting that Kamto’s candidacy would have been blocked regardless of the approach taken.
Critics also point out Kamto’s own strategic missteps, including his 2020 election boycott and alignment with a divided party, which may have weakened his credibility. Now barred from running, Kamto may be forced to back another opposition figure in a last attempt to challenge the ruling party’s stronghold.
