Opposition candidate rejects results, alleges fraud, attacks on supporters
The Constitutional Council of Cameroon has officially declared President Paul Biya the winner of the country’s October 12 presidential election, extending his more than four-decade rule.
Announcing the results on Monday, the council said Biya, 92, secured 53.66 percent of the votes to defeat his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who polled 35.19 percent.
“Hereby proclaimed president-elect: the candidate Biya Paul,” said Clement Atangana, head of the Constitutional Council.
Opposition rejects results
Tchiroma, a former minister and government spokesperson, had earlier claimed victory, citing figures allegedly compiled by his campaign.
READ ALSO: Biya to Seek Re-Election at 92, Extending Four-Decade Rule
He rejected the council’s declaration, accusing authorities of manipulating the process.
Hours after the announcement, Tchiroma alleged on Facebook that security forces opened fire on civilians near his residence in Garoua, northern Cameroon.
“Toll of their attack: two dead,” he wrote. “Shooting point-blank at your own brothers, I can’t help but wonder if you’re mercenaries. Kill me if you want, but I will liberate this country by any means necessary.”
Authorities have yet to comment on the allegations.
Violence Mars Post-election Period
The declaration followed days of tension and street protests in major cities.
On Sunday, at least four people were killed in Douala when demonstrators clashed with security forces during protests demanding a transparent vote count.
READ ALSO: Cameroon Election: Biya’s 43-Year Rule Faces Test Oct. 12
Reports indicated that the unrest has spread to Yaoundé and other urban centres, with dozens of opposition activists reportedly detained.
‘Expected outcome’
Political observers said the outcome was largely anticipated.
“The result was more or less expected,” said Desmond Ngala, head of Civic Watch Cameroon. “Biya has maintained a strong hold on the country’s political system, and there are fears that the nation could be paralysed if the unrest continues.”
Biya, who first took power in 1982, abolished term limits in 2008 and has consistently won re-election by wide margins, making him Africa’s oldest head of state and the continent’s second longest-serving, narrowly beaten to that record by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema of neighbouring Equatorial Guinea.
His new eight-year term could see him remain in office until the age of 99, making him one of the world’s longest-serving leaders.
Despite opposition claims of irregularities, the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has dismissed accusations of vote rigging or violence, insisting the election was free and fair.
However, with mounting tensions and reports of violence, analysts warn that Biya’s continued dominance may deepen divisions in the Central African nation.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
