Douala – Cameroonians are waiting for the outcome of Sunday’s presidential election, with the Constitutional Council expected to declare the official results by 27 October.
According to the country’s electoral code, the council has up to 15 days after the close of polls to announce the results. Voting ended on Sunday across the ten regions of Cameroon, and counting is underway.
Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji described the election as peaceful and transparent, saying there were no major disruptions nationwide. His statement came amid reports of tension in Garoua, the hometown and stronghold of leading opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, where supporters clashed with security forces. Teargas was reportedly used to disperse crowds that gathered near Tchiroma’s residence.
More than eight million registered voters cast their ballots to choose a new leader from ten candidates, including long-serving President Paul Biya, who has been in power for over four decades. The election took place against a backdrop of rising inflation, youth unemployment, and growing frustration over corruption and poor public services.
Among Biya’s main challengers are his former northern allies, Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, who have criticised his leadership and pledged to deliver reforms if elected.
Political analysts say Biya remains the frontrunner, partly because opposition leader Maurice Kamto was excluded from the race.
The Constitutional Council, which comprises 11 members appointed by the head of state, is responsible for overseeing the legality of presidential and parliamentary elections and for ruling on any petitions or disputes. Candidates or parties have 72 hours after polls close to submit complaints.
If no winner is declared within the 15-day period, the incumbent president will remain in office until a new election is organised, which must take place within 20 to 40 days.
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