Cameroon’s Constitutional Council has announced the victory of 92-year-old President Paul Biya in the October 12 election, securing 53.66% of the total vote. The declaration comes after a series of protests following the election, resulting in at least four fatalities and allegations of electoral irregularities.
The council disclosed that Biya garnered 53.66% of the votes, while former ally Issa Tchiroma Bakary received 35.19%, with a voter turnout of 57.7%. These results have highlighted the ongoing generational divide in Cameroon, with over 70% of the population being under the age of 35.
Tchiroma, who had previously claimed victory based on his party’s data, accused security forces of fatally shooting civilians. Following the court’s ruling, he denounced the violence in a social media post, condemning the actions of the security forces in his hometown.
President Biya, the world’s oldest serving leader since 1982, expressed remorse for the post-election violence, emphasizing his condolences for the lives lost and their families. However, his decision to seek another term has sparked outrage among the youth and opposition, who accuse him of manipulating the electoral process to maintain power.
Protests erupted in various cities over the weekend, with fatal confrontations reported in Douala, where security forces clashed with demonstrators. These demonstrations underscore the growing discontent among the populace, especially the younger generation, regarding issues of governance and economic disparities.
Despite modest economic growth driven by oil revenues, many young Cameroonians feel marginalized from the country’s prosperity, with high rates of informal employment among the youth. The dissatisfaction among the youth, coupled with concerns over governance and political manipulation, poses a risk of escalating tensions and instability in the nation.
Experts warn of the potential for Cameroon to descend into chaos if grievances are not addressed, with the recent election outcome further polarizing the country’s political landscape. The situation remains volatile as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the election and its implications for the future.