Cameroon’s electoral fee has rejected the candidacy of Maurice Kamto, the principle challenger to long-serving President Paul Biya within the upcoming presidential election, fueling fears of unrest and rising the probability of one other Biya victory
YAOUNDE, Cameroon — YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Cameroon ’s electoral fee on Saturday rejected the candidacy of Maurice Kamto within the upcoming presidential election, fueling fears of unrest and rising the probability of one other Biya victory.
Kamto, a former authorities minister, is seen as the principle challenger to long-serving President Paul Biya.
The electoral fee, ELECAM, stated it authorized 13 presidential candidates, excluding Kamto. No cause was given. Biya is included.
Kamto, who has two days to attraction, was thought-about Biya’s strongest rival in previous elections. He got here second over the past presidential election in 2018 with 14% of the vote, whereas Biya cruised to victory with over 70% in an election marred by irregularities and a low turnout.
Biya, 92, the world’s oldest serving head of state, stated final month he would search reelection on Oct. 12 regardless of rumors that his well being is failing. He has been in energy since 1982, practically half his lifetime.
Biya’s rule has left a long-lasting influence on Cameroon. His authorities has confronted varied challenges, together with allegations of corruption and a lethal secessionist conflict in the nation’s English-speaking provinces that has pressured thousands out of school.
Fears of protests and unrest surged round Saturday’s launch of the listing of authorized candidates.
Safety forces have been deployed across the ELECAM headquarters and alongside main roads in Yaoundé, the capital, and in Douala, the financial hub.
The United Nations Division of Security and Safety had warned Friday that the announcement may set off protests within the capital.