YAOUNDE, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon political parties concluded their election campaigns ahead of Sunday's vote, according to the Cameroon Electoral Code.
The Cameroon People Democratic Movement (CPDM), the ruling party, held its last rally in the capital Yaounde on Saturday. Paul Biya, the party's candidate, was not present at the rally but supporters said he was present with them "in spirit" and urged all voters to cast their votes for him.
President Paul Biya, leader of the CPDM, is seeking to extend his 36 years in office by winning a new seven-year mandate.
"We will win the election tomorrow. A vote for Paul Biya is a vote for the unity and prosperity of the country. He is the most experienced candidate to solve the problems of our country," said Essomba Jean, a member of the CPDM.
Joshua Osih of the Social Democratic Front, the leading opposition candidate, held his final rallies on Saturday in the economic capital Douala.
"Throughout this campaign we have presented a programe for peace, stability and wealth for our country. I will do this for Cameroon. Tomorrow, Sunday, vote for change. We will win the election," Osih told supporters at the rally.
Both parties urged their supporters to maintain peace to ensure the polls are held in a peaceful environment.
The number of opposition candidates is reduced from eight to seven, as Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement and Akere Muna of the People's Development Front announced a coalition less then 48 hours to the polling day.
"Only a union of forces of the main candidates can overcome the Biya regime. I decided to withdraw my candidacy for the presidential election of Oct. 7, for the benefit of Mr. Maurice Kamto whom I call to support. I invite all my supporters to vote Mr. Kamto next Sunday," said Muna on Friday.
Over 6,500,000 registered voters go to the polls on Sunday in a vote that is taking place against a backdrop of rising tension in the two English-speaking regions of Southwest and Northwest where armed separatists are fighting to create a new nation called "Ambazonia."
Campaigns were generally very timid in troubled regions, where the separatists have vowed to stop the vote.
Clashes between government forces and the separatists have left 170 soldiers dead according to the government, but there is no report on the number of separatists killed.
