92-Year-Old Paul Biya Wins Again In Cameroon Presidential Election

Cameroon’s Constitutional Council on Monday declared long-serving President Paul Biya the winner of the October 12 election, extending his rule beyond four decades.

Official figures show Biya won 53.66 percent of the vote. His challenger, former ally Issa Tchiroma Bakary, received 35.19 percent. Voter turnout was 57.7 percent.

The announcement came after violent clashes in several cities. In Douala, security forces fired on protesters alleging election fraud, killing at least four people.

Opposition supporters also protested in Garoua. Tchiroma claimed two people were killed there, accusing security forces of firing on civilians.

Tchiroma had already declared victory using his campaign tallies. Ruling party officials dismissed his claims as “baseless and inflammatory.”

Despite frustration among younger voters, Biya’s CPDM party maintains control through loyal governors, regional administrators, and security forces.

The government accredited over 5,000 local and international observers to monitor the election.

However, eight civil society groups reported irregularities, including deceased names on voter rolls, uneven ballot distribution, and ballot box stuffing in some areas.

The African Union praised the election as largely meeting international standards, while noting logistical and transparency challenges in parts of the country.

At 92, Biya is the world’s oldest head of state and one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. He first took office in 1982.

He consolidated power through constitutional changes that abolished presidential term limits. His rule has combined stability with repression.

While Cameroon avoided coups that toppled other African leaders, Biya’s government faces criticism over corruption, inequality, and the handling of the Anglophone crisis.

Biya’s health and frequent absences in Europe, particularly Switzerland, have fueled speculation, leaving governance to close aides and family members.

Analysts say Biya’s victory shows the strength of his political machinery and the weakness of a fragmented opposition.

More: africanews