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Cameroon’s Constitutional Council has declared President Paul Biya, 92, the winner of the recent presidential elections, securing an eighth term in office.
According to the official results, Paul Biya won with 53.66% of the votes while Issa Tchiroma Bakary finished as the runner-up with 35.19%.
At 92, Biya holds the title of the oldest reigning head of state globally and will enter his eighth consecutive term after first taking power in 1982.
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the opposition leader, has already proclaimed himself the victor, suggesting that the Constitutional Council will announce compromised results.
Bamenda city, in the English-speaking western region, has seen deserted streets amid concerns of possible unrest. Reports say that at least four individuals have lost their lives due to clashes with security forces in Douala, a major commercial centre.
Supporters of the opposition have ignored a protest ban, claiming that the ruling party is attempting to “steal victory” from them.
Despite significant pressure to retire, the 92-year-old leader has been criticised for attending only one campaign rally, where he assured voters that “the best is still to come.”
Having been in power since 1982, an additional seven-year term could result in a 50-year reign. By 2032, he will be nearing 100.
His electoral victories have been overshadowed by accusations of electoral fraud, allegations which his party and the government have consistently rejected.
