Cameroon court dismisses all election petitions, paving way for Biya’s eighth term
The ruling comes as 92-year-old President Paul Biya appears set to secure an eighth term, extending his decades-long rule over the Central African nation. Partial results reported by local media already place Biya comfortably ahead, a development that has sparked anger among opposition supporters.
Cameroon's Constitutional Council has thrown out all ten petitions disputing the country's October 12 polls, clearing the way for official results to be announced amid growing tensions across the country.
The petitions, filed by opposition candidates and civic groups, alleged widespread irregularities, including ballot-stuffing and voter intimidation.
More To Read
- Cameroon on edge amid protests, arrests and internet blackout after election dispute
- Opposition leader Tchiroma declares himself winner as Cameroon awaits official election results
- Cameroon votes under tight security as President Biya seeks to extend decades-long rule
- Cameroon election: The tough road to unseat President Biya
- The woman who wants to end Cameroon president's 43-year rule
- Cameroon’s election risks instability, no matter who wins
However, the council ruled on Wednesday that there was insufficient evidence to support the claims or grounds to annul the vote, a decision that cannot be appealed.
The ruling comes as 92-year-old President Paul Biya appears set to secure an eighth term, extending his decades-long rule over the Central African nation. Partial results reported by local media already place Biya comfortably ahead, a development that has sparked anger among opposition supporters.
Last week, opposition leader Issa Tchiroma declared himself the winner of the polls, urging long-serving President Biya to concede defeat even before the official results are released.
Tchiroma's declaration intensified political tensions across the country, with the electoral commission yet to make an announcement. Addressing supporters in the northern city of Garoua, Tchiroma said it was time to "honour the truth of the ballot box" and allow the people's will to prevail.
He similarly claimed that his own tallies showed him leading comfortably, accusing the ruling party of trying to manipulate the outcome. His remarks directly challenge Biya, who has ruled for over four decades and is widely expected to retain power.
"It is not Tchiroma who is the problem. I place myself under the protection of God and the Cameroonian people," Tchiroma said then.
The declaration quickly triggered unrest in parts of the country, particularly in Tchiroma's strongholds in the north. In Garoua, security forces surrounded his residence amid reports of threats against him.
Clashes broke out nearby as police fired tear gas to disperse crowds celebrating what they believed was an opposition victory. Several supporters were seen waving flags and chanting slogans calling for "change after 40 years."
Biya, who abolished presidential term limits in 2008, has dominated Cameroon's politics since 1982, consistently winning elections with over 70 per cent of the vote despite repeated allegations of fraud and voter intimidation.
His subdued campaign this year, marked by a single public rally in Maroua that drew a modest turnout, and prolonged absences abroad have fuelled speculation about his health and capacity to lead.
Official election results will be released by the Constitutional Council on October 27.
Top Stories Today
