Who Decides Kamto’s Election Bid: The Constitution or the Biya Regime?

The president of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM), Prof. Maurice Kamto, has affirmed that the 1996 Constitution guarantees his candidacy under his party.

Speaking at a recent press conference, Kamto stated that his candidacy does not depend on the opinion of any government official or individual. He specifically referenced Section 15, Paragraph 4 of the Constitution, which, according to him, secures his right to run.

The constitutional provision in question states:

“The mandate of an elected person in Cameroon does not belong to the political party that presented him.”

This implies that no political party owns the mandate of an elected official, whether municipal, regional, parliamentary, or senatorial.

CRM’s Eligibility to Present a Candidate

Kamto revealed that between 2020 and now, several elected officials have joined the CRM. However, he did not disclose their identities. Based on this, he argues that CRM meets the constitutional requirement to present a candidate.

“We have elected persons in our midst. Based on that, we are entitled to present a candidate,” he said.

Recent debates have questioned whether the CRM is eligible to present a candidate. The electoral code stipulates that a political party must be represented in Parliament to nominate a candidate. Alternatively, an independent candidate must secure 100 endorsements, with at least 30 signatures from each of the ten regions.

Kamto asserts that since CRM includes elected officials, the party is represented in the relevant institutions, making it eligible. He further noted that even if the CRM chooses not to present a candidate, another political party could still nominate him.

Kamto Responds to Atanga Nji’s Claims

Kamto strongly criticized Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, for suggesting that CRM or Kamto himself was ineligible.

Atanga Nji had recently presented a list of 18 political parties that could nominate candidates—excluding CRM. Kamto challenged this, saying:

“Why did he assume that only these political parties can present a candidate? He wants to give the impression that they are under his control. He has no right, whatsoever, to say the CRM will not have a candidate or that Maurice Kamto will not run.”

He emphasized that only the Constitutional Council has the authority to determine eligibility.

Criticism of CPDM

Kamto also took a swipe at the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), arguing that it should focus on its internal bylaws rather than commenting on CRM’s status.

“According to the CPDM bylaws as they stand, they cannot present a candidate. They should focus on that,” he remarked without elaborating further.

The Road to October Elections

Cameroon’s presidential election is scheduled for October this year. While several opposition politicians have already declared their candidacies, the CPDM is pushing for 91-year-old President Paul Biya to run again. However, Biya—who has ruled since 1982—has not yet announced whether he will seek re-election.

At 41 years in power, Biya remains one of the oldest and longest-serving presidents in the world.

Mimi Mefo Info