Cameroon’s top constitutional authority has confirmed the electoral commission’s decision to bar opposition figure Maurice Kamto from contesting in the upcoming 12 October presidential election.
Although Kamto was sidelined, 92-year-old President Paul Biya, whose candidacy also drew objections, has been approved to seek an eighth term in office in the oil-rich Central African nation.
Should he win another seven year mandate, Biya could potentially remain in power until nearly the age of 100.
Kamto’s disqualification stemmed from an internal dispute within the Manidem party, which had endorsed him, as a rival faction nominated a different individual as their candidate.
Breaking his silence on Thursday evening, Kamto condemned the ruling as “arbitrary” and politically motivated.
