The president’s primary opponent’s candidacy is rejected by Cameroon’s electoral commission

Maurice Kamto, President Paul Biya’s primary opponent in the upcoming presidential election, was rejected by Cameroon’s electoral commission, increasing the chance of unrest and another victory for the incumbent.

At a news conference on Saturday, the head of the electoral commission, ELECAM, revealed the decision by reading out a list of 13 authorized candidates, except Kamto. There were no explanations provided. The appeal period is two days for those who are not mentioned.

Biya, 92, is the oldest-serving head of state in the world, having held the position for 43 years. Earlier this month, he declared that he would run for reelection on October 12.

Despite claims of fraud, Kamto received 14% of the vote in the most recent election in 2018, which Biya won by a wide margin.

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security said in a statement on Friday that “protests may occur in the center of Yaounde and near the seat of ELECAM if certain candidates are rejected in this election.”