At the age of 92, Paul Biya has been re-elected as President of Cameroon for the eighth consecutive term, solidifying his position as the world’s longest-serving and oldest head of state.
Biya, who first came to power in 1982, has maintained a firm grip on the country’s leadership for 43 years. The results of the October 12 presidential election were officially announced on Monday, with the Constitutional Council formally declaring Paul Biya as the elected president.
Since the removal of presidential term limits in 2008, Biya has faced no constitutional restrictions on his continued rule.
Clement Atangana, president of the Constitutional Council, stated, “Candidate Paul Biya is hereby declared the duly elected President of the Republic.”
His main challenger this year was Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former government spokesperson who split with Biya earlier this year over policy differences. Running as an opposition candidate, Bakary’s campaign attracted large crowds and gained support from opposition parties and civil society organizations.
Meanwhile, at least four people were killed in political violence ahead of the election results. Clashes between security forces and opposition supporters broke out in northern Cameroon and the commercial capital, Douala, on Sunday.
Before the official announcement, Bakary claimed victory, asserting that he had secured 54.8% of the vote.
Source: CNN