Paul Biya, 92, who has served as President of Cameroon since 1982, has been declared the winner of the country’s latest presidential election, securing an eighth consecutive term and extending his leadership until 2032.
Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state, defied widespread calls to step down and faced criticism for appearing at only one campaign rally, where he told voters, “the best is still to come.”
With this victory, Biya could reach 50 years in power, ruling Cameroon into his late 90s.
The Constitutional Council announced that Biya won with 53.66% of the vote, defeating runner-up Issa Tchrioma Bakary, who received 35.19%.
READ ALSO: Press Freedom Concerns Emerge After Ban on Biya Health Coverage
The ruling was announced by the country’s Constitutional Council on Monday after a vote held earlier this month.
Biya has been in power since 1982 and extends his decades-long rule amid significant political tension. He faces accusations of delaying results, restricting opposition participation, and overseeing a system in which his party holds deep influence.
While Biya’s victory seems assured, the announcement comes amid unrest and claims of irregularities in the electoral process.
The opposition has denounced the result as lacking credibility and called for national dialogue. With Biya now entering another term in office, analysts say Cameroon’s political trajectory remains in the balance — facing demands for change and questions over future stability.
