With Cameroon’s presidential election set for October 12, the political climate is growing increasingly tense as the Constitutional Council considers 35 appeals filed by disqualified candidates challenging the electoral commission’s rulings.
On Monday, August 4, the capital witnessed heightened security as lawyers and supporters of excluded aspirants gathered outside the Constitutional Council, contesting decisions made by Elections Cameroon (ELECAM).
Among the most notable challenges was that of Léon Theiller Onana, a member of the ruling CPDM party, who filed a surprising appeal against President Paul Biya, questioning his eligibility.
Onana argued that Biya’s nomination by party structures was invalid, claiming those bodies are no longer legally constituted.
He further cited Biya’s dual roles—as president of both the nation and the CPDM—as a violation of eligibility rules.
Despite the dramatic nature of the appeal, the Constitutional Council swiftly dismissed Onana’s case without debate, signaling Biya’s candidacy remains intact.
Attention now turns to the legal fight involving Maurice Kamto, leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) and seen as the strongest opposition figure.
Kamto, backed by the Manidem party, is contesting ELECAM’s decision to bar him from the race.
Dubbed the “last chance showdown,” Kamto’s appeal could prove pivotal to the credibility of the entire election. As the Constitutional Council continues its hearings, many Cameroonians are watching to see whether the process will restore public confidence—or deepen the nation’s political divide.
