Cameroon’s Constitutional Council on Wednesday dismissed all 10 petitions challenging the country’s October 12 presidential election, paving the way for the announcement of final results expected by Sunday. The petitioners — including opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary had alleged ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and other irregularities, but the court ruled they failed to provide sufficient evidence. The council’s verdicts are final and cannot be appealed under Cameroonian law.
Unofficial tallies indicate that 92-year-old President Paul Biya, Africa’s second-longest-serving leader, is on track to secure another seven-year term. Biya has ruled the Central African nation for 43 years, facing repeated criticism for authoritarian practices and alleged election manipulation. Tchiroma, a former government spokesman who broke ranks with Biya earlier this year, reiterated his claim of victory following the ruling. “If they prefer to endanger the peace of this nation rather than admit defeat, we will respond with the peaceful determination of the people,” he said in an address posted to his campaign platform.
Meanwhile, sporadic protests have erupted in several cities, including Garoua, Tchiroma’s hometown in northern Cameroon. Security forces have been deployed to contain demonstrations amid growing public frustration. The Constitutional Council must officially declare the results by Sunday, after which Biya is expected to extend his already decades-long rule despite mounting domestic unrest and international concern over the credibility of the vote.
