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CAMEROON-VOTE-POLITICS-OPPOSITION
Cameroon opposition says ‘massive fraud’ planned for polls
YAOUND, Oct 5, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – An opposition contender who
will seek election in Cameroon’s impending presidential polls
alleged on Friday that a “massive fraud” is underway to ensure the
sitting president wins a seventh term.
Maurice Kamto’s campaign chief Paul-Eric Kingue said that
efforts to rig Sunday’s ballot “had the blessing” of the Elecam
electoral commission.
“We won’t accept any result if this kind of fraud continues,”
he said at a media briefing by Kamto’s Movement for the Rebirth of
Cameroon (MRC) party in the capital Yaounde.
Kingue called on party supporters to “fiercely resist”
rigging.
The MRC has alleged that polling cards have been forged and
that voter registration has ben allowed to continue 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,” said Kingue.
“But this year, 2018, will not be like 2011,” he vowed.
In the most recent presidential elections in that year,
President Paul Biya won a sixth term in office with 78 percent of
votes in polls the opposition and observers accused of being
flawed.
“We’re not preparing for war, but wherever there is fraud,
there will be a firm response,” said Kingue.
Rumours have emerged in recent days of a possible coalition
between opposition presidential contenders.
Kamto’s campaign director confirmed that “talks were
underway” with rival opposition hopeful Akere Muna — but Kingue
was unable to confirm if a deal had been struck.
Biya, 85, has been in power for 35 years and will face-off
against eight opposition contenders. The front-runners are Joshua
Osih, Maurice Kamto and Akera Muna.
BSS/AFP/RY/1925 hrs