Cameroon's President Paul Biya Secures Eighth Term Amidst Election Controversy and Protests
President Paul Biya has been declared the winner of Cameroon's latest election, extending his 43-year rule despite accusations of manipulation, widespread protests, and arrests following the results.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- Cameroon's President Paul Biya was declared the winner of the recent election, securing his eighth term in office and extending his 43-year tenure since 1982.
- Biya won with 53.66% of the votes, defeating challenger Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who garnered 35.19% and also claimed victory.
- The election process was marred by violence and accusations of manipulation from the opposition, who cited a delayed vote counting process as suspicious.
- Following the declaration of Biya's victory, over 100 protesters were arrested in multiple cities, with reports of at least 30 activists detained.
- The outcome solidifies President Biya's long-term hold on power in Cameroon, despite significant public unrest and challenges to the election's legitimacy.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by immediately juxtaposing the official election results with widespread protests, deaths, and arrests, highlighting the contentious nature of the outcome. They emphasize the opposition's accusations of manipulation and the long tenure of the "world's oldest president," suggesting a narrative of a disputed election amidst significant public discontent and government crackdown.
"Clashes with security forces in Cameroon left at least four protesters dead ahead of the announcement as opposition supporters rallied to demand credible results."
ABC NewsArticles (5)
FAQ
Paul Biya won approximately 53.66% to 54% of the vote, while his main opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary received roughly 35.19% to 35%.
The election was marred by accusations of vote manipulation and irregularities, delayed vote counting, and protests by opposition supporters disputing the results.
There were widespread protests and over 100 arrests of protestors and activists in multiple cities, indicating significant public unrest.
Paul Biya has been in power since 1982, and a 2008 constitutional amendment removed term limits, enabling him to run for multiple terms including the 2025 election.
Cameroon faces unemployment, inflation, border insecurity, jihadist and bandit group violence, and an anglophone separatist conflict in the western region, all contributing to political tensions.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.