Cameroon elections body rejects candidacy of president's main rival

Maurice Kamto, a presidential candidate of Renaissance Movement (MRC), walks with his staff after his news conference at his headquarter in Yaounde, Cameroon October 8, 2018. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra

YAOUNDE (Reuters) -Cameroon's electoral commission has rejected the candidacy of Maurice Kamto, the main rival to President Paul Biya, in an upcoming presidential election, raising the risks of protests and the likelihood of another win for the incumbent.

The chief of the electoral commission, ELECAM, announced the decision in a press conference on Saturday when he read out a list of 13 approved candidates which did not include Kamto. No reasons were given. Those not listed have twodaystoappeal.