Cameroon’s Constitutional Council on Monday declared long-serving President Paul Biya the winner of the October 12 presidential election, a result announced amidst deadly protests and opposition allegations of electoral fraud.
The Council’s president, Clement Atangana, made the announcement in the capital, Yaoundé, confirming that the 89-year-old Biya secured 53.66% of the vote. This victory extends his rule, which has already spanned more than four decades.
According to the official figures, Biya’s main challenger, Isaach Chiro Bakari—a former ally—received 39.19% of the vote. The council stated the voter turnout was 57.7%.
The official declaration was preceded a day earlier by violent clashes in several cities. In the economic capital, Douala, security forces opened fire on demonstrators who were protesting alleged electoral fraud. Local reports from the northern city of Gua confirmed that at least four people were killed in the unrest.
Opposition supporters also mobilized on social media and in street demonstrations. The opposition candidate, Isaach Chiro Bakari, accused security forces of firing on civilians, claiming that two people were killed in his hometown.
The election outcome solidifies President Biya’s continued grip on power but leaves a nation deeply divided, grappling with questions of legitimacy and facing a future marked by both political continuity and escalating crisis.