The Digest:
Cameroon’s Constitutional Council has declared 92-year-old Paul Biya the winner of the October 12 presidential election, awarding him 53.7% of the vote. This outcome extends his 43-year leadership, making him the world’s oldest serving head of state. The announcement follows violent pre-result clashes in Douala that left four dead, as opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma, who claimed victory earlier, rejected the official tally.
Key Points:
- Paul Biya, 92, wins his eighth term with 53.7% of the vote, per the Constitutional Council.
- Rival Issa Tchiroma placed second with 35.2%, despite earlier claiming victory with 54.8%.
- Four people died in Douala during protests ahead of the official announcement.
- Tchiroma’s supporters attacked a gendarmerie brigade and police stations, authorities said.
- Security forces responded with tear gas and live ammunition, injuring several officers.
- Biya has led Cameroon since 1982, repressing opposition amid social and separatist crises.
- Most analysts expected Biya’s win in a system critics describe as heavily rigged.
Sources: Channels Television, AFP
