Yaoundé, Cameroon – President Paul Biya, 92, has won an eighth consecutive term in Cameroon’s presidential election held on October 12, extending his rule until 2032. Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state, has been in power since 1982 and faced criticism for minimal campaigning, attending only one rally where he promised voters that “the best is still to come.”
The Constitutional Council announced Biya’s victory with 53.66 percent of the vote, while opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary received 35.19 percent. Tchiroma, a former minister and Biya ally turned rival, had already declared himself the winner, alleging electoral fraud and gross irregularities.
Cameroon’s diaspora largely supported Tchiroma. In Europe, he won 62.79 percent of the vote compared to Biya’s 22.63 percent. In Asia and the Middle East, Tchiroma took 68.21 percent, while in the Americas he secured 66.75 percent. African diaspora voters, from Ethiopia to Senegal, saw over half abstaining, but of those who voted, Tchiroma gained 54.99 percent.
Inside Cameroon, regional results reflected deep divisions. Biya dominated the South region with 90.86 percent and led in the South-West with 68.7 percent despite 53 percent abstention in the Anglophone region. In the North-West, 52.5 percent abstained, but Biya won 86.31 percent of the votes cast. Biya also took the Centre with 70.14 percent, East with 73.88 percent, Far North with 45.93 percent, and West with 46.21 percent. Tchiroma led in Adamawa with 56 percent and Littoral with 64.5 percent.
The election sparked unrest nationwide. Protests in Garoua, Tchiroma’s stronghold, and Douala, the commercial hub, resulted in at least four deaths. Demonstrators claimed the ruling party was attempting to “steal victory,” defying protest bans. Security forces arrested several opposition leaders and maintained a visible presence to prevent further unrest.
Bamenda city in the English-speaking west observed its traditional “Kontri Sunday” or ghost town, with deserted streets and military checkpoints, reflecting public anxiety amid ongoing conflict in Anglophone regions. Residents reported dark clouds and afternoon rains contributing to a tense atmosphere.
Internet access in the country has been unstable, with disruptions reported days before the election. NetBlocks cited connectivity issues that could limit coverage, while the national telecom company, Camtel, described the problem as a technical incident.
Cameroon’s young population, with more than 60 percent under 25, faces high unemployment. Many youths, including 26-year-old graduate Vanina Nzekui, express a desire to emigrate due to limited local opportunities and dominance of older politicians in key positions.
The Constitutional Council rejected at least ten petitions alleging electoral malpractice and described the process as peaceful. Council head Clément Atangana warned citizens that official channels are the only valid recourse for disputes.
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