Former prime minister Francisco Fadul, leader of Guinea-Bissau's second-largest opposition force, has become the first official runner in presidential polls already attracting controversy due to the possible candidacies of two deposed presidents.

According to reports reaching here on Saturday from Bissau, Fadul, leader of the Social Democratic United Party (PUSD), presented his candidacy to the Supreme Court in Bissau, telling media afterwards he had no comments to make on possible rivals in the June 19 presidential election.

Fadul was prime minister of Guinea-Bissau during its transition after a civil war from 1999 to 2000. His presidential opponent from the ruling African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) will be Malam Bacai Sanha, after the latter presents his candidacy as expected.

The main opposition, Social Renewal Party (PRS), picked deposed president Kumba Yala last week as its runner in the leadership race, plunging Bissau into uncertainty over a possible comeback for the man who led Guinea into political crisis and virtual bankruptcy with the severing of foreign aid ties. Yala who founded the PRS, was toppled in a bloodless coup in September 2003.

Another ousted president, Joao Bernardo Nino Vieira, has also indicated he could throw his hat into the ring for the June election and return to Guinea from his exile in Portugal.

The Guinean government has asked Lisbon to dissuade Nino Vieira from attempting to return to the west African country as it prepares for the crucial poll that will return the country to full constitutional order.

Source: Xinhua