World's oldest serving head of state declared winner in Cameroon election

"Paul Biya, the world's oldest serving head of state, has been declared the winner of Cameroon's election, granting him an eighth term that could keep him in office until he is nearly 100. The country's constitutional council said Biya had won 53.66% of the vote, while his former ally turned challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, got 35.19%. Biya, 92, took office in 1982 and has held a tight grip on power ever since, doing away with the presidential term limit in 2008 and winning re-election"

"There was no election, it was rather a masquerade, Tchiroma said after the results were announced. We won unequivocally. Cameroon has been on edge in recent weeks while waiting for the official results. A ban on public gatherings has been in effect since the day of the election and many businesses remain closed for fear of unrest. In the economic capital, Douala, there have been widespread complaints about internet restrictions that Camtel, the state operator, has blamed on a technical incident."

"Within hours of the official announcement, Tchiroma wrote on Facebook that two people had been killed after shots were fired at civilians outside his home in the northern city of Garoua. He gave no other details and the incident has yet to be independently verified. Shooting point-blank at your own brothers I can't help but wonder if you're mercenaries, he posted. Kill me if you want, but I will liberate this country by any means necessary. What blatant impunity."

Paul Biya was declared the winner of Cameroon's election with 53.66% of the vote, securing an eighth presidential term. Issa Tchiroma Bakary officially received 35.19% and had earlier claimed victory with his own tally. Biya, 92, has ruled since 1982 and removed presidential term limits in 2008. A ban on public gatherings and persistent internet restrictions accompanied the vote, fueling tensions. Opposition protests in Douala clashed with security forces, leaving four people dead, and reports emerged of shootings near Tchiroma's home in Garoua, with incidents not independently verified.

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