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News > World

Cameroon Elections: Country on Lockdown, Opposition Alleges Fraud Plot

  • Cameroon was placed on lockdown for 48 hours, before the polls are scheduled to be open on Sunday

    Cameroon was placed on lockdown for 48 hours, before the polls are scheduled to be open on Sunday | Photo: Reuters

Published 6 October 2018
Opinion

Security measures include the suspension of internal travel by road, rail and air from Saturday until the conclusion of voting Sunday.

Presidential candidate alleges fraud plots as Cameroonians get ready to go to the polls, amid tightened security, on Sunday.

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Cameroon Elections: Central Africa's Most Diverse State

Movement for the Rebirth of Cameroon’s (MRC) Maurice Kamto has commented that wide-scale “massive” fraud is being planned to deliver a victory to six-term President Paul Biya.

The candidate - who joined with fellow opposition candidate People's Development Front (FDP), Akere Muna, on Friday - made allegations 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) Cameroon People's Democratic Movement party is still adding names to the voter roll," Kamto’s campaign chief Paul-Eric Kingue stated. "We're not preparing for war, but wherever there is fraud, there will be a firm response. We won't accept any result if this kind of fraud continues.

Kingue 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,” adding that “by attempting to spread chaos, they risk being unpleasantly surprised.”

The African nation, which has a population of some 25 million people, was placed on lockdown for 48 hours before the polls are scheduled to be open on Sunday, according to an AFP report.

The security measures include the suspension of internal travel by road, rail and air from Saturday until the conclusion of voting.

Kingue commented, saying the authorities would "not tolerate any disorder before, during or after the presidential vote."

Over the years, Cameroon's election authorities have faced accusations of favoring Biya, who won the 2011 polls with 75% of the votes.

Additionally, election observers and opposition politicians also remarked that the process was "flawed."

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