President Paul Biya's Re-Election: A Controversial Eighth Term Amidst Rising Tension

Mon Dec 01 2025 00:33:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Cameroon's 92-year-old President Paul Biya has been declared the winner of the presidential elections, marking his eighth consecutive term amidst allegations of electoral malpractice and growing discontent among citizens.

Paul Biya, the world's oldest head of state, has been re-elected for an eighth term in office, securing 53.7% of the votes against his main rival Issa Tchiroma Bakary's 35.2%. The election results have sparked protests and allegations of rigging, raising concerns over Biya's long-standing tenure in a country facing significant social and political challenges.

To absolutely no one's surprise, Cameroon's Constitutional Council has proclaimed the re-election of 92-year-old President Paul Biya, the world's oldest head of state, for an eighth successive term.

Amid rumors of a close result and claims of victory by his main challenger, former government minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, excitement and tension had been building in the run-up to Monday's declaration.

The official outcome, victory for Biya with 53.7%, ahead of Tchiroma Bakary on 35.2%, came as both a shock and yet, for many Cameroonians, an anti-climax.

Biya's decision to stand for another seven-year mandate, after 43 years in power, was inevitably contentious, not only because of his longevity but also due to his governance style, which has raised questions among the public.

Speculations regarding his governance abilities arise from his frequent extended stays abroad, particularly in Geneva, leading some to wonder whether most decisions are made by the prime minister or the influential secretary general of the presidency, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh.

Last year, Biya disappeared from public view for nearly six weeks after attending a speech at a World War II commemoration, prompting speculation about his health. Even after officials suggested he was working in Geneva, clear communications were sparse.

As the election campaign unfolded, Tchiroma’s candidacy generated a renewed sense of possible opposition, yet the security response to protests following the results has escalated tensions, leading to violence in cities such as Douala and Garoua.

His re-election has raised substantial questions regarding the future political landscape in Cameroon, especially with growing dissatisfaction among citizens who view Biya’s government as increasingly disconnected from their needs.