Cameroon Court Allows 92-Year-old Biya to Run for Eighth Term

Ninety-two-year-old President Paul Biya has been cleared by Cameroon’s Constitutional Council to run for an eighth term in the presidential election scheduled for October 12, 2025, while opposition leader Maurice Kamto has been barred from contesting.

If re-elected, Biya could remain in power until he is nearly 100 years old.

Kamto’s exclusion followed a dispute within the Manidem party, which had endorsed him. A rival faction presented another candidate, leading to his disqualification.
Speaking on Thursday, Kamto described the ruling as “arbitrary” and politically motivated.

Out of 83 people who applied, only 12 candidates have been approved by Elections Cameroon (Elecam). The remaining 71 were rejected due to reasons such as incomplete paperwork, unpaid deposits, or multiple candidates from the same party.

The main contenders include:

Paul Biya – In power since 1982 and leader of the ruling CPDM party. He has never lost an election, though past votes have faced accusations of fraud, which the government denies. Biya says he will focus on improving the lives of women and young people.

Bello Bouba Maigari – A veteran politician from the north and former Prime Minister under Biya. Once allied with the president, he broke away in June to run independently.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary – Another former Biya ally from the north, he resigned as Minister of Employment to launch his own bid, promising to overhaul what he calls a “suffocating” political system.

Cabral Libii – A 44-year-old MP and leader of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN). He came third in 2018 with 6% of the vote and has since grown in political influence.

Akere Muna – A respected anti-corruption lawyer and former 2018 candidate. He promises a five-year transition plan to “put the nation back on track.”

Joshua Osih – Leader of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), running for the second time. He pledges social and institutional reforms.

Biya’s decades-long grip on power makes him the favorite, especially with Kamto out. Analysts say Cabral Libii could be his strongest challenger, though others point to Akere Muna’s international experience and clear reform plan.

Some experts question whether former Biya allies like Maigari and Tchiroma can win over opposition voters, given their long ties to the regime.

Cameroon’s opposition has historically been divided during elections, often giving Biya the advantage. Civil society leaders are urging candidates to agree on a single “consensual” candidate to challenge the president.

A meeting of opposition leaders in early August discussed the idea but no one has been chosen yet. Maurice Kamto has not said whether he will back such a coalition, but promised to “remain at the side” of his supporters.

The last time the opposition united, in 1992, candidate John Fru Ndi came close to defeating Biya, winning 36% of the vote to Biya’s 40%. Many believe that without similar unity this year, Biya will easily extend his decades in power.

Source: BBC