Cameroon’s Constitutional Council on Monday confirmed that President Paul Biya has won the country’s presidential election, securing an eighth consecutive term in office.

Biya, 92, will remain in power until 2032, making him the world’s oldest serving head of state.

The council reported that Biya received 53.66 per cent of the vote, while his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma, obtained 35.19 per cent. Tchiroma, 76, previously served as Biya’s spokesperson.

The election has been marked by widespread protests. In the days leading up to the announcement, Tchiroma encouraged his supporters to challenge Biya’s long tenure and mobilised demonstrations across the country.Following the polls, Tchiroma claimed victory and urged citizens to protest if the Constitutional Council’s results were “falsified and distorted.”

He said, “Our victory is clear. It must be respected.” He called on Biya to “accept the truth of the ballot box” or risk “plunging the country into turmoil.”

After casting his vote in the October 12 polls, Biya told reporters, “Nothing is given. Let’s wait and see. Let’s wait for the name of the winner.”

Tensions escalated as clashes between security forces and opposition supporters turned deadly.

Four people were killed on Sunday in the economic capital, Douala, according to the region’s governor.

Security forces initially used tear gas before firing “live ammunition,” according to protesters interviewed by AFP.

Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for 43 years—nearly half his life—is considered Africa’s oldest and one of the world’s longest-serving leaders, according to Al-Jazeera.

The country of 30 million people has seen Biya remain in office through elections that opponents say have been “stolen,” as reported by Al-Jazeera.

The council officially announced Biya as the winner. Council leader Clement Atangana said the electoral process was “peaceful” and criticised the opposition for “anticipating the result.”

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