In a statement issued on Friday, March 15, 2024, Maurice Kamto, the leader of Cameroon’s principal opposition party, the MRC, has raised alarm over alleged maneuvers by the government to alter the electoral calendar, proposing a reversal that would prioritize the presidential election ahead of municipal and legislative elections. Originally scheduled for February 2025, these elections are now potentially overshadowed by the possibility of a presidential election as early as October 2024.
Kamto, in his statement, condemns what he perceives as a plausible inversion orchestrated by the authorities, warning of the institutional ramifications. He highlights the potential prolongation of regional council mandates or the election of new regional councilors by unelected municipal representatives, a scenario he asserts would undermine the legitimacy of these institutions, rendering them undemocratic.
From a political standpoint, Kamto argues that prioritizing the presidential election ahead of municipal and legislative polls is indicative of a state of panic within the ruling party. He portrays the ruling party as being in disarray, clinging to power with desperation, and suggests legal action against those advocating for President Paul Biya’s candidacy in 2025, accusing them of elder abuse.
Kamto’s candid statement, devoid of embellishments, has yet to elicit an official response from the RDPC leadership. Nevertheless, it has sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms. While some commend the timely intervention, others speculate about underlying anxieties within the MRC, particularly noting its absence of elected officials due to its boycott of the 2020 municipal and legislative elections—a circumstance that could potentially undermine Kamto’s candidacy in the forthcoming presidential election.
This development underscores the volatile political landscape in Cameroon, where concerns over electoral integrity and democratic processes remain paramount. As the nation navigates these uncertainties, the voices of opposition leaders like Maurice Kamto serve as crucial pillars in upholding democratic principles and ensuring accountability within the political establishment.