The 92-year-old President Paul Biya of Cameroon has secured another term in office, further extending his uninterrupted rule since 1982. The country’s Constitutional Council officially declared his victory after the October 12 election, with Biya receiving 53.66% of the vote compared with 35.19% for his closest challenger. (AP News)
Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state, made little public appearance during the campaign and made minimal comments following the results. Opposition supporters, however, expressed outrage over alleged irregularities, leading to clashes in several cities where at least four people were reportedly killed. (Graphic Online)
“The voting passed off calmly… but we shouldn’t be naive. We know full well the ruling system has ample means at its disposal to get results in its favour,” said political analyst Stéphane Akoa ahead of the election. (Dawn)
Supporters of Biya praise his longevity and perceived stability, while critics decry the lack of democratic renewal and rising youth dissatisfaction in a country where over 70% of the population is under the age of 35. (The Guardian)
