Incumbent President Paul Biya, aged 92 and in power since 1982, has been re-elected for an eighth term with 53.66 percent of the vote, according to the official results announced by the Constitutional Council on Monday.
The declaration comes amidst severe tensions, as Biya’s main rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, had claimed victory with his own count of 54.8 percent of the vote and had called for peaceful demonstrations across the country just hours before the announcement.
Shortly after the results were broadcast, Issa Tchiroma denounced what he called an “assault” on civilians camped outside his residence in Garoua, declaring, “The assault has begun.” The opposition leader had previously warned of threats to his security and urged his supporters to remain vigilant.
The government, through Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji, quickly condemned the incidents. He warned of a “plan to destabilize” the country, accusing the opposition of attempted attacks and disseminating “false election results” to sow panic and discredit national institutions.
The authorities reported several arrests in Garoua and Yaoundé, and an investigation into the incidents is currently underway.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA