Cameroon’s Election Commission Bars President Biya’s Main Rival from Ballot

Cameroon’s electoral commission has barred Maurice Kamto, the main opposition figure, from running in October’s presidential election, sparking concerns over unrest and electoral credibility. Kamto, who came second in the 2018 vote, was not among the candidates approved to contest the election. The commission had received applications from 83 prospective candidates, which it trimmed to 13. It did not provide any explanation for Kamto’s exclusion. Kamto had submitted his candidacy under the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) party, having previously run under his own Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) party. The incumbent president, Paul Biya, is the world’s oldest president at 92. He has ruled since 1982, and another win would extend his presidency into his late 90s.

Aljazeera