The Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the exclusion of Professor Maurice Kamto from the list of approved presidential candidates for the upcoming October 12, 2025 election.
Prof Maurice Kamto
In its first official reaction since the publication of the provisional candidate list by the Electoral Commission of Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), acting national president of the MRC, Mamadou Mota, described the move as part of a “scandalous manipulation” aimed at suppressing democratic alternatives in the country.
“It is with astonishment, though not great surprise, that we observed the absence of Professor Maurice Kamto’s name from the list of accepted candidates.. This decision confirms rumours that had been circulating for days across social media.” Mota stated.
Maurice Kamto, who was presented as a candidate by the MANIDEM party, was disqualified by ELECAM on the basis of what it described as “plurality of nomination.” According to Mota, this justification was “a fabricated pretext orchestrated by Interior” alleging that data was tampered with on the Ministry of Territorial Administration’s website to fraudulently alter the leadership records of MANIDEM.
“Shamelessly and crudely, the public witnessed a digital manipulation where Mr Anicet Ekane was replaced by another name, Mr Yebga, to serve as a tool in ELECAM’s decision-making. This is the extent of the perfidy to which this regime has sunk.” Mota alleged.
The MRC accuses ELECAM of acting as an extension of the ruling CPDM party, whose long dominance, the opposition argues, has entrenched a system resistant to political transition.
Labeling those responsible as “a gang of usurpers” who have taken the country hostage, the MRC warned that the current path threatens national stability. However, the party called for calm and lawful mobilisation, urging Cameroonians to remain composed but vigilant.
“We call on all Cameroonians to stay calm but mobilised, to defend their country. We fully support Professor Kamto, who has remained loyal to a peaceful political approach and is now pursuing legal recourse through the Constitutional Council.” the statement continued.
The MRC concluded by calling for unity among pro-democracy forces.
“We must remain determined. 2025 must mark the liberation of Cameroon. We have played our part now it’s time for every Cameroonian to do the same.”
The declaration, made in Yaoundé on Sunday 27 July 2025, has stirred fresh debate across political and civil society circles as the countdown to the October election intensifies. Prof Kamto’s disqualification marks one of the most controversial developments in the ongoing electoral process.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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