Paul Biya Declared Winner of Cameroon’s Disputed Election, Extends Four-Decade Rule Amid Fraud Allegations

Cameroon’s Constitutional Council has officially declared President Paul Biya the winner of the country’s fiercely contested presidential election — a result that effectively extends his decades-long rule despite growing criticism and fresh allegations of widespread fraud.

At 92 years old, Biya — already the world’s oldest serving head of state — is set to begin his eighth consecutive term in office, having first taken power in 1982. The announcement, which PulseNets learnt was made late Monday evening in Yaoundé, has sparked outrage among opposition groups, who insist the outcome was “heavily manipulated to favour the ruling party.”

Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary rejected the official results, declaring himself the “legitimate winner” of the election. He told PulseNets that the Council’s verdict represents “a tainted outcome that does not reflect the will of Cameroonians.” His supporters have since defied government orders banning demonstrations, staging protests across major cities.

PulseNets obtained reports from Douala indicating that at least four people were killed on Sunday following violent clashes between protesters and security forces. In the English-speaking city of Bamenda, residents reportedly stayed indoors as troops patrolled the streets, with witnesses describing the atmosphere as “tense and frightening.”

Biya’s re-election comes amid intense calls from civil society groups and the international community urging him to step aside after more than four decades in power. Critics have accused his government of stifling dissent, suppressing the press, and rigging elections to entrench authoritarian rule.

Throughout the campaign period, Biya appeared only once at a public rally, where he assured supporters that “the best is yet to come.” His renewed seven-year mandate means he could remain in power until 2032, by which time he would be approaching 100 years old.

Political observers who spoke to PulseNets noted that allegations of vote rigging have persistently shadowed Biya’s presidency, with opposition figures questioning the credibility of Cameroon’s electoral institutions. Government officials, however, have consistently denied wrongdoing, insisting the election was “free, fair, and transparent.”

Also Read: Paul Biya: Protesters Storm Presidential Election Tribunal, Make Demands

As Biya prepares to enter a fifth decade in power, tensions continue to simmer nationwide. Many citizens, PulseNets reported, remain uncertain about the future of Cameroon’s fragile democracy — a nation long described as being trapped between political continuity and democratic stagnation.