Cameroon's 92-year-old president has won a controversial eighth term, in a fiercely disputed election. Paul Biya, who is the world's oldest head of state, won 53.7% of the vote compared to the 35.2% of opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, as declared by the Constitutional Council.
Before the announcement, Tchiroma Bakary - a former ally of Biya - insisted he had won, but his claims were dismissed by the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM). The election, held on 12 October, was marred by deadly violence, with opposition protests erupting in several cities leading to clashes with security forces.
Biya thanked voters for 'once again' trusting him, expressing hopes for a peaceful and united Cameroon. However, in Douala, at least four people were reported killed during protests, and reports of shootings near Tchiroma Bakary's residence heightened tensions.
The unrest, including demonstrators accusing the ruling CPDM of attempting to 'steal the victory', has left shops and schools in the capital Yaoundé closed as tensions remain high.
Out of ten candidates, voter turnout was reported at 58%. The Constitutional Council has rejected at least ten petitions alleging electoral wrongdoing, leading many citizens to express skepticism about Biya's legitimacy as they fear a return to turbulent times in the country.
Despite Biya’s historical achievements, criticisms about corruption, economic decline, and civil unrest in the northwest persist, prompting analysts to declare that Cameroon could face serious political turmoil if discontent continues to simmer unchecked.
Before the announcement, Tchiroma Bakary - a former ally of Biya - insisted he had won, but his claims were dismissed by the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM). The election, held on 12 October, was marred by deadly violence, with opposition protests erupting in several cities leading to clashes with security forces.
Biya thanked voters for 'once again' trusting him, expressing hopes for a peaceful and united Cameroon. However, in Douala, at least four people were reported killed during protests, and reports of shootings near Tchiroma Bakary's residence heightened tensions.
The unrest, including demonstrators accusing the ruling CPDM of attempting to 'steal the victory', has left shops and schools in the capital Yaoundé closed as tensions remain high.
Out of ten candidates, voter turnout was reported at 58%. The Constitutional Council has rejected at least ten petitions alleging electoral wrongdoing, leading many citizens to express skepticism about Biya's legitimacy as they fear a return to turbulent times in the country.
Despite Biya’s historical achievements, criticisms about corruption, economic decline, and civil unrest in the northwest persist, prompting analysts to declare that Cameroon could face serious political turmoil if discontent continues to simmer unchecked.
