Cameroon’s long-serving President, Paul Biya, has been declared winner of the country’s disputed presidential election, securing an eighth consecutive term in office despite widespread allegations of vote rigging and electoral manipulation.
The announcement by the Constitutional Council on Monday reaffirmed Biya’s decades-long grip on power, extending a rule that began in 1982. At 92 years old, Biya remains the world’s oldest serving head of state, and his new seven-year mandate could see him remain in power until 2032.
Opposition parties have strongly contested the outcome, describing the process as fraudulent. Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary rejected the official results, declaring himself the rightful winner and alleging that the council’s declaration reflected a “tainted outcome.”
“The will of the people has once again been subverted. What we are witnessing is not democracy but deception,” Bakary said in a statement following the announcement.
Protests erupted in several cities following the declaration, with reports from local media indicating that at least four people were killed in clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Douala, the nation’s commercial hub. In the English-speaking city of Bamenda, residents largely stayed indoors amid fears of escalating violence.
Biya’s re-election has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups and international observers, many of whom have called for democratic reforms and urged him to step aside after more than four decades in power. Critics accuse his administration of suppressing dissent, curbing press freedom, and manipulating the electoral process to maintain control.
During the campaign period, Biya made only one public appearance, telling supporters that “the best is still to come.” His ruling party insists the election was conducted freely and fairly, dismissing claims of irregularities as baseless.
Allegations of vote rigging have, however, dogged Biya’s leadership for years, fuelling growing frustration among citizens who see little change under his rule. As he prepares to begin another term, tensions remain high across Cameroon, with uncertainty looming over the country’s fragile democracy.
