Opposition forms coalition ahead of Cameroon vote

AFP  |  Yaound 

Two Cameroonian opposition parties agreed a coalition to jointly contest this weekend's presidential polls, a said, in an effort to dislodge six-term

Akere Muna, of the People's Development Front (FDP) agreed to "withdraw his candidacy... and to support Maurice Kamto," of the Movement for the Rebirth of (MRC), Muna's said in a statement.

alleged earlier on Friday that a "massive fraud" was underway to ensure the sitting wins a seventh term.

Maurice Kamto's said efforts to rig Sunday's ballot "had the blessing" of the electoral commission.

"We won't accept any result if this kind of fraud continues," he said at a by Kamto's MRC in the capital

Cameroon's authorities have long faced accusations of unfairly favouring Biya, one of Africa's longest serving rulers who won 78 percent of votes in 2011's polls which were described as "flawed" by observers and the opposition.

will vote amid tight security including a ban on by road, rail and air from 1700 GMT Saturday until the conclusion of voting.

The borders of the central African nation of 25 million people will also be sealed 48 hours ahead of voting day, according to a decree seen by AFP.

Kamto's MRC has alleged that polling cards have been forged and that voter registration has continued despite the process being officially closed.

"In 62 percent of areas, the (ruling) People's is still adding names to the voter roll," said Kingue.

"We're not preparing for war, but wherever there is fraud, there will be a firm response." Communication said in a statement that "measures have been taken... to prevent any actions that might create violence or around the elections".

He added that "political figures linked to foreign interests were preparing groups of agitators to stir-up violence in the event that the results don't go their way".

The did not specify who he was referring to.

"By attempting to spread chaos, they risk being unpleasantly surprised," he said. The authorities would "not tolerate any before, during or after the presidential vote," he added.

has been in power for 35 years and now faces seven opposition contenders following

The opposition front-runners are Osih and Kamto.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sat, October 06 2018. 03:30 IST