Cameroon’s 92-year-old president, Paul Biya, has been declared the winner of a highly contested eighth term, following an election that has been marred by widespread violence and claims of electoral malpractice. Biya, who is the world’s oldest serving head of state, secured 53.7% of the vote, according to the Constitutional Council. His closest challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former ally, claimed victory before the official announcement, but his claims were dismissed by Biya’s ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).
The election, held on October 12th, has been a focal point of tension, with hundreds of Bakary’s supporters defying protest bans in recent days and clashing with security forces. The economic capital, Douala, saw at least four fatalities on Sunday during protests, with the regional governor attributing the violence to attacks on police posts and subsequent self-defense by security forces. Reports from Garoua on Monday suggested further fatal shootings near Bakary’s residence, with the opposition leader alleging snipers fired on civilians. Authorities have yet to comment on these specific claims.
Protesters have voiced their anger over what they perceive as a deliberate attempt by the CPDM to “steal the victory.” The capital city, Yaoundé, has experienced a near-complete shutdown of businesses and schools, with many public sector employees and office workers remaining at home due to the prevailing tension.
Residents have expressed mixed reactions to Biya’s re-election. Some, like Amungwa Nicodemus, foresee a continued period of hardship, stating, “We are at the beginning of another nightmare. The economy is declining, corruption is endemic, a lot of things are going wrong.” Conversely, Abolo Denis urged acceptance of the results for the sake of peace. In the northern city of Bamenda, Vivian Muma described a “graveyard silence” following the announcement, suggesting that the people’s decision was overridden.
President Biya, in power since 1982, has not yet made a public statement. However, his party has celebrated his win as a moment of “greatness and hope.” Biya’s long tenure, marked by frequent absences abroad and his advanced age, has previously fueled rumors of his ill health or even death. While his administration is credited with expanding educational access and resolving the Bakassi dispute, it has also faced criticism for a protracted separatist insurgency in the English-speaking west, high youth unemployment, deteriorating infrastructure, and restrictions on free speech.
Analysts have cautioned that the country’s stability could be at risk if the election outcome is not perceived as legitimate. Murithi Mutiga, Africa Program Director at the International Crisis Group, commented that Biya’s mandate appears “shaky” given the public’s doubts about the election’s fairness, urging an immediate national dialogue to de-escalate the situation.
More on the Cameroon election
- Four killed in Cameroon protests as results due in contested election
- From government spin doctor to Cameroon president’s main rival
- We will never accept stolen votes, says Cameroon opposition leader
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