Cameroon's 92-year-old President Paul Biya has been declared the winner of his eighth term, securing 53.7% of the vote. Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who garnered 35.2%, had claimed victory prior to the official announcement. The election, held on October 12, was followed by reported violence, protests, and clashes between supporters of Tchiroma Bakary and security forces.
Election Results and Claims
The Constitutional Council declared Paul Biya, the world's oldest head of state, the winner of the presidential election with 53.7% of the vote. Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary received 35.2%. Before the official results were announced, Tchiroma Bakary stated he had won the election, a claim dismissed by the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM). Other candidates, including former Prime Minister Bello Bouba Maigari, were also in the running. Voter turnout for the election was 58%. The Constitutional Council rejected at least 10 petitions alleging electoral malpractice.
Reported Violence and Protests
The period following the election was marked by reports of violence. On Sunday, at least four people were reported killed during protests in Douala, Cameroon's economic capital. Regional governor Samuel Dieudonné Diboua stated that police posts were attacked, and security forces responded.
On Monday, multiple individuals were reportedly shot dead near Tchiroma Bakary's residence in Garoua, according to a local journalist. The opposition leader posted on Facebook that shots were being fired at civilians outside his home and claimed snipers were positioned in a nearby house, firing at close range. Authorities have not issued comments on these specific reports.
Supporters of Issa Tchiroma Bakary had participated in protests in several cities, defying bans, and clashed with security forces. Protesters stated they were denouncing a plan by the ruling CPDM to "steal the victory" from the opposition leader. In the capital, Yaoundé, shops and schools were closed, and many civil servants and office workers did not report to work during this period.