The candidacy of Maurice Kamto was rejected by Cameroon's electoral commission, ELECAM, on Saturday, which has heightened fears of unrest and increased the prospect of President Paul Biya's reelection. Kamto has two days to appeal the decision. He was previously considered Biya's strongest challenger, having secured 14% of the vote in the last presidential election in 2018. The announcement has led to a significant security presence in Yaounde and Douala to mitigate possible protests, as concerns grow over the political climate in Cameroon under Biya's long-standing rule.
The electoral commission, ELECAM, said it approved 13 presidential candidates, excluding Kamto. No reason was given for the rejection of Kamto's candidacy.
Biya is included in the approved list, while Kamto, who came second in the 2018 presidential election with 14% of the vote, was seen as Biya's strongest rival.
Fears of protests and unrest surged around Saturday's release of the list of approved candidates, prompting security forces to deploy around the ELECAM headquarters.
Biya, the world's oldest serving head of state, who has been in power since 1982, announced he would seek reelection despite health rumors.
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