By Synthia Lateu
Professor Maurice Kamto’s call for voters to “vote freely in good conscience for the opposition candidate of their choice” in the presidential election scheduled for October 12 has been described by analysts as an attempt to play it safe.
Following his disqualification from the race, expectations were high for Kamto, invested by MANIDEM, to direct his large electorate toward other opposition candidates. On September 26, the eve of the official campaign period, Kamto responded to his supporters’ call for voting instructions, emphasizing that his first concern was the interest of the people. He said he had, on September 16, urged opposition candidates to form a coalition, subsequently meeting with seven presidential candidates to discuss this.
He explained that a coalition among all candidates or at least the strongest and most experienced, including Issa Tchiroma Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maïgari (FSNC and UNDP) would have offered a real chance of victory. He expressed disappointment that no coalition materialized, which led to his announcement encouraging voters to make their own choices.
Reacting to Kamto’s statement, Dr. Jean Moïse Mbog, spokesperson for Issa Tchiroma, said Kamto’s decision was both responsible and understandable, as it held candidates accountable. During a debate program, he noted that by highlighting two candidates, Kamto had set the tone for the election.
Dr. Mbog also justified Kamto’s cautious stance, pointing to past events in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and stressed that he should not be blamed for any issues or have his reputation attacked. He highlighted ongoing discussions between the UNDP and the FSNC, describing the leaders as politicians who still have channels and means to meet and communicate, as Professor Kamto wishes.
Political analyst Wilfred Ekanga added that Kamto’s decision regarding the suspected October 12 election was the result of careful, calm, and pragmatic observation free from naivety, credulity, illusion, or empty rhetoric. “It is not a product of any pressure or blackmail over voting instructions,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, the publisher of L’Oeil du Sahel offered a critical analysis of Kamto’s non-directive, describing it as a political escape. Using an analogy from an old Chinese movie, he said Kamto positioned himself as neither the protagonist nor the antagonist.
Meanwhile, Political analyst Mac Anthony criticized Kamto for turning his back on the suffering of the people:
“It can now be confirmed that Professor Maurice Kamto is selfish and self-interest-oriented. He has never had the interest of Cameroon at heart. He thinks it must only be him or no one else. He is an accomplice in the suffering of the people.”He said.
In the meantime, electoral campaigns officially began on September 27 and will continue until the eve of voting, October 11. Coalitions are already forming, with Ateki Seta Caxton, candidate of the Liberal Alliance Party (PAL), officially rallying behind Bello Bouba Maïgari
