The 92-year-old incumbent reportedly secured 53.66 percent. Opponents have reported shootings targeting supporters.
Published October 27, 2025
Cameroon’s Constitutional Council has declared that President Paul Biya, the country’s leader since 1982, has won re-election in a vote marked by deadly violence.
The council announced Monday that the 92-year-old incumbent received 53.66% of the vote in the Oct. 12 election. Opposition candidate Issa Ciroma received 35.19% of the vote.
“I hereby declare candidate Biya Paul as the next president,” said Clement Atangana, president of the Constitutional Council.
Chiroma, a former government spokesperson and cabinet minister in his late 70s, had claimed victory days before the announcement, saying the result was orchestrated by his party. Mr Biya dismissed the claims.
At least four people were killed Sunday in Cameroon’s largest city, Douala, when security forces clashed with demonstrators demanding a credible result.
After the results were announced, Chiroma claimed in a Facebook post that gunfire was being aimed at civilians who had gathered in front of his home in the northern city of Garoua.
Expected results
Mr. Biya has maintained a firm grip on power since taking office 43 years ago, abolishing presidential term limits in 2008 and subsequently winning reelection by a wide margin.
A new seven-year term means the world’s longest-serving ruler could remain in power until he is nearly 100 years old.
Desmond Ngala, head of Civic Watch Cameroon, told Al Jazeera ahead of the announcement that the poll results were “more or less as expected” and that Biya would win.
He added that the country could become “paralyzed” if the instability continues.
Amid these expectations, delays in vote counting are heightening suspicions among opposition parties.
Protesters have clashed with security forces over the past week after local media reported some results, giving Biya an expected victory.
The riots have spread to many cities, including the capital Yaounde, and at least 30 activists are reported to have been detained.
However, Mr. Biya and his ruling party dismissed all claims of election interference.
Mr Ciroma’s campaign drew large crowds and support from opposition coalitions and civil society groups, but in social media posts after the announcement he claimed security forces opened fire on his supporters, killing two more people.
“Victims of their attack: 2 dead. What will they say this time?” he wrote.
“I can’t help but wonder if you guys are mercenaries for shooting straight at your own brothers. Kill me if you want, but I will liberate this country by any means necessary. What blatant impunity.”
There was no immediate comment from authorities.
