Cameroon’s Constitutional Council on Monday has declared President Paul Biya the winner of the country’s presidential election, securing 53.66 percent of the votes to claim an eighth term in office.
His closest contender, Issa Tchiroma Bakary of the Cameroon National Salvation Front, garnered 35.19 percent. Over 4.6 million citizens cast their ballots, representing a 57.76 percent turnout — an improvement from the 2018 election.
Council President Clement Atangana described the polls as free and fair, paving the way for Biya, 92, who has ruled since 1982, to continue leading the nation under the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement for another seven-year term.
However, tensions have marred the post-election atmosphere, with security forces reportedly killing four protesters in Yaounde and Douala during opposition demonstrations over alleged electoral fraud. Despite the unrest, preparations are underway for Biya’s swearing-in, which the Constitution mandates must occur within 15 days of the results’ proclamation, in the presence of Parliament, the Constitutional Council, and the Supreme Court.