Prof Kamto’s Presidential Candidacy Rejected Over Dual Endorsement

Prof. Maurice Kamto, MANIDEM 2025 Presidential Aspirant.

In a major development ahead of Cameroon’s presidential election scheduled for October 12, 2025, the country’s electoral authority has formally rejected the candidacy of opposition leader Prof. Maurice Kamto. The decision, made public today, has already sparked debate within the nation’s political landscape.

The rejection was announced through an official letter signed by Dr. Erik Essousse, Director General of Elections Cameroon (ELECAM). 

According to the communiqué, Prof. Kamto’s bid was turned down due to “pluralité d’investiture” or multiple nominations by the political party MANIDEM, which violates Article 125, paragraph 2 of the country’s Electoral Code.

“The Electoral Council, after deliberation, has rejected your candidacy,” the letter states, citing the irregularity involving the Movement Africain pour la Nouvelle Indépendance et la Démocratie (MANIDEM), a left-leaning party that has supported Prof. Kamto in past coalitions but is not his principal political base.

Decision Signed by Dr. Erik Essousse, Director General of ELECAM.

Prof. Maurice Kamto, former leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM), was widely expected to be a key contender against President Paul Biya, who has ruled the country since 1982. Prof. Kamto’s exclusion from the race may dramatically reshape the electoral field, raising concerns about fairness and transparency in the electoral process.

Prof. Kamto has not yet made a public statement in response to the decision, but sources close to his party suggest a legal challenge may be imminent.

This is not the first time Prof. Kamto has faced hurdles in his political pursuits. After claiming victory in the 2018 presidential election, a claim dismissed by authorities, he was arrested and jailed for nearly nine months in 2019, sparking international condemnation.

As the electoral calendar proceeds, the rejection of such a high-profile candidacy is certain to intensify scrutiny on ELECAM and the government’s handling of the democratic process. Opposition figures and civil society groups are expected to issue reactions in the coming days.

For now, Cameroonians are left with growing questions about the inclusiveness and credibility of their electoral system.