92-year- old Paul Biya, in power since 1982, declared winner of Cameroon’s presidential election
The 92-year-old President of Cameroon Paul Biya who has been ruling the country since 1982 has again been declared as winner of the country’s October 12, 2025 Presidential election
Penpushing reports that Biya, Cameroon’s longtime leader was declared to had secured 53.66 per cent of the vote to win the contest, even when announcement came amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud and growing political tensions.
The Constitutional Council on Monday declared that the nonagenarian had secured 53.66 per cent of the vote, defeating his main challenger and former minister, Issa Bakary, who garnered 35.19 per cent.
Penpushing further reports that the council stated that voter turnout stood at 57.76 per cent, significantly lower than the 67 per cent average recorded over the last three elections, however, with the result Biya who will be ruling an eighth consecutive term in office will be nearly 100 years when his tenure lapses in 2023
The announcement of Biya, however, led to protests mostly in Douala, the country’s commercial hub, while sources said at least four people were killed on Sunday in clashes between protesters and security forces.
Penpushing also reports that many shops and schools in the capital, Yaoundé, remained closed out of fear of unrest, while opposition supporters have defied a ban on protests, accusing the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) of attempting to steal victory.
The Minister of Communications Bakary, who served under Biya before turning opponent, rejected the official figures, insisting he won 55 per cent of the vote based on his party’s parallel tally.
Penpushing reports that shortly after the results were announced, Bakary alleged that security forces opened fire outside his residence in Garoua, his home city and stronghold in the country’s north.
“Right now at my home in Garoua, they are firing on civilians camped outside. The assault has begun,” Bary posted on social media.
Penpushing further reports that Biya is returning as Cameroon faces deep political, economic, and security crises, with record showing that his advanced age and frequent absences from public life have long fueled speculation about his health.
The President is known for spending extended periods outside Africa, and has faced recurring rumours of ill health and even death, which the government regularly dismisses, and it would be recalled that during this year’s campaign, he (Biya) appeared only once at a rally, telling supporters that the best is still to come.
Penpushing also reports when he took over power from Ahmadou Ahidjo in 1982, initially promised liberal reforms but has since entrenched his grip on power through constitutional changes and tightly controlled elections.
The record equally has it that under his watch, Cameroon has struggled with a violent separatist insurgency in its English-speaking northwest and southwest regions, while separatist groups, who have been fighting for independence since 2017, boycotted the recent election and threatened residents who attempted to vote
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