Cameroon bars main challenger to longtime leader from presidential race
Briefly

The exclusion of Maurice Kamto, a leading rival to President Paul Biya, by Cameroon's electoral commission has sparked concerns of potential unrest ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. Kamto, who submitted his candidacy as a representative of the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy party (MANIDEM), was notably omitted from the list of approved candidates with no reasons provided. His absence is suspected to enhance Biya's chances for re-election despite allegations of fraud in past elections. Increased security measures are being implemented in major cities due to fears of protests following the announcement.
The exclusion of Maurice Kamto from the upcoming presidential election has intensified fears of unrest in Cameroon, raising concerns about the potential for protests and governmental instability.
No explanations were provided for Kamto's exclusion, despite him being considered the strongest competitor to incumbent President Paul Biya in previous elections.
Security forces have increased their presence around the electoral commission headquarters and major roads in cities like Yaounde and Douala to prevent potential unrest following the candidate announcement.
Kamto has a history of electoral participation, being the main rival to Biya and previously securing second place in the last presidential election with significant opposition support.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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