BREAKING: Paul Biya Wins Cameroon’s Disputed Presidential Election, Extends Rule To 2032

Cameroon’s long-serving President, Paul Biya, has been declared winner of the country’s October 12 presidential election, extending his more than four-decade rule until 2032.

The Constitutional Council announced the results on Monday, declaring the 92-year-old leader re-elected with 53.66 per cent of the vote. His closest rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, polled 35.19 per cent, while other candidates shared the remaining votes.

The announcement came amid widespread allegations of irregularities and protests from opposition parties, who have described the poll as “a sham” and called for its annulment. Several observer missions also raised concerns about limited transparency and reports of voter intimidation in parts of the country.

President Biya, who first assumed office in 1982, will now serve his eighth consecutive term, solidifying his position as one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. His continued stay in power has drawn mixed reactions — with supporters hailing his experience and stability, while critics accuse him of entrenching authoritarian rule and failing to address economic stagnation and the ongoing Anglophone crisis in the country’s northwest and southwest regions.

Following the announcement, there were reports of sporadic unrest in Douala and Yaoundé, where security forces dispersed crowds protesting the outcome. At least four people were reported injured in confrontations between demonstrators and the police.

In his post-election address, Biya called for unity and urged opposition candidates to “respect the will of the people,” promising to focus on national security, economic revival, and youth empowerment in his new term.

International reactions have been cautious, with the African Union and European Union calling for calm and urging all parties to resolve disputes through legal and peaceful means.

If Biya completes this new term, he would have led Cameroon for 50 years, cementing his place in history as one of Africa’s oldest and longest-reigning presidents.