Biya declared winner of disputed polls
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has been officially declared the winner of the recent presidential election extending his long-standing rule over the Central African nation. The Constitutional Council announced on Monday that the 92-year-old incumbent secured 53.66 percent of the vote in the October 12 election, reaffirming his dominance in Cameroonian politics after nearly four decades in power.
The election results have sparked controversy and unrest particularly among opposition supporters. Issa Tchiroma, a veteran politician and former government spokesperson in his late 70s, received 35.19 percent of the vote according to official figures. Tchiroma had earlier claimed victory asserting that his party had collated results showing a different outcome but these claims were dismissed by Biya and the electoral authorities as unfounded.
The election period was marked by tension and allegations of irregularities. Tensions reached a boiling point on Sunday in Cameroon’s largest city, Douala where clashes erupted between security forces and protesters. Reports indicate that at least four people were killed during these confrontations as opposition supporters took to the streets demanding transparent and credible election results.
The opposition’s claims of electoral fraud and the subsequent violence have raised concerns about the state of democracy and political stability in Cameroon. Critics argue that the election process lacked transparency and that the results favor Biya’s longstanding rule. Supporters, however, maintain that the election was conducted fairly and that the results reflect the will of the people.
Biya’s victory extends his presidency which began in 1982 making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. His tenure has been characterized by efforts to maintain stability and economic development but also by accusations of authoritarianism and suppression of dissent.
As protests continue and tensions persist, international observers have called for calm and urged all parties to engage in dialogue to address grievances and ensure peaceful resolution. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Cameroon can move forward united or if political unrest will deepen amid ongoing disputes over the electoral process and leadership legitimacy.
