Cameroon’s Paul Biya Wins Re-Election, Results Show
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, in power since 1982, has been declared the winner of the October 12th presidential election, according to official results released today.
The Constitutional Council announced that the 92-year-old Biya secured 53.66 percent of the vote. His main challenger, Issa Tchiroma, received 35.19 percent. Tchiroma, a former government spokesperson and minister, prematurely claimed victory earlier this month, citing his party’s own tallies, a claim swiftly dismissed by President Biya. This election is being closely watched as Cameroon faces ongoing challenges related to political stability and economic development.
Yesterday, at least four people were killed in Douala, Cameroon’s largest city, during clashes between security forces and protesters demanding a transparent vote count. The unrest followed rallies organized by opposition supporters. Concerns about electoral fairness have been a recurring issue in Cameroonian politics; for more information on the country’s political landscape, see the Council on Foreign Relations’ profile of Cameroon.
Authorities have not yet commented on the specific circumstances surrounding the deaths in Douala, but have indicated they are investigating the incidents. The results now face a period where challenges can be formally lodged with the Constitutional Council, as outlined in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
