Cameroon’s long-serving President, Paul Biya, has been declared winner of the country’s presidential election, securing a controversial eighth term in office with 53.7% of the vote, according to results announced by the Constitutional Council on Monday.
At 92 years old, Biya remains the world’s oldest serving head of state and the second leader to govern Cameroon since its independence from France in 1960.
The results were formally announced by Clement Atangana, President of the Constitutional Council, during a televised session at the Yaoundé Conference Centre.
Biya’s main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former government minister, came second with 35.2% of the votes. Tchiroma had earlier declared himself the winner, claiming his internal tally showed 54.8% of votes in his favour compared to Biya’s 31.3%.
Protests and Violence Ahead of Results
The announcement followed a tense atmosphere marked by violent protests. At least four people were killed on Sunday in clashes between security forces and opposition supporters who were protesting alleged electoral manipulation.
Authorities in Garoua and Douala confirmed that demonstrators clashed with police and gendarmerie officers. According to Regional Governor Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, the protesters “attacked” security posts, prompting a response from the forces.
Eyewitnesses told AFP that live ammunition was fired after security forces first used tear gas to disperse crowds. “They fired, and three people fell right in front of us,” one protester said.
Controversy and Criticism
The election outcome has been widely criticized by opposition figures and analysts, many of whom argue that the vote was neither free nor fair. Critics say Biya has entrenched himself in power through systemic electoral manipulation, suppression of dissent, and control of state institutions.
Biya, who first assumed office in 1982, has ruled Cameroon for over four decades, navigating civil unrest, economic inequality, and separatist insurgencies, often through repressive means.
Despite mounting calls for democratic reform, the Constitutional Council’s declaration ensures that Biya will continue to lead for another seven-year term, extending one of Africa’s longest and most controversial presidencies.
