In Cameroon, the 92-year-old current head of state, Paul Biya, has been re-elected president. This was officially announced by the country's Constitutional Council. According to the official results, he received 53.66% of the votes in the election and received the next presidential term.
Paul Biyya first came to power in 1982 and has led the country continuously since then. The results of the new elections extended his 43-year term in office for another term.
At the same time, the main opposition candidate Issa Chiroma Bakaiiri rejected the results. He stated that he had won according to his calculations and accused the government of falsifying the voting results. Following the announcement of the results, protests began in the capital, Yaounde, and several major cities. According to local media, clashes between police and civilians occurred in some places, several people died, and hundreds of people were arrested.
International observers also noted a number of shortcomings in the electoral process. In particular, it was reported that there was a lack of transparency in the counting of ballots and that state resources were used in favor of the incumbent president.
Paul Biyya is currently cited as one of the longest-term leaders in power in the world. Although relative political stability has been maintained in the country during his reign, the younger generation and representatives of civil society are demanding reforms, free elections, and political renewal.
According to experts, the country's future political course will depend on Biya's health and who he will transfer power to.
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