Yaounde: Cameroon’s Constitutional Council on Monday declared Paul Biya the winner of the recent presidential election. The 92-year-old is one of the country’s oldest and longest-serving leaders. He has been president since 1982 and is now seeking his 8th term. According to the Constitutional Council, Biya received 53.66% of the vote in the October 2 election, while his main rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, received only 35.19%.
In power for 43 years
Biya became president in 1982, following the resignation of the first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo. He has been in power continuously since then. Cameroon gained independence in 1960, and only two people have held the presidency since then. Biya has ruled the country for the past 43 years. His new term will now be 7 years, and he will remain in power until the age of 99.
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The Problem of Poverty in Cameroon
Cameroon has a population of approximately 30 million, with approximately 43% living below the poverty line. According to the United Nations, one-third survive on less than $2 a day. Approximately 8 million people are eligible to vote this year, including more than 34,000 living abroad.
Pre-election violence, 4 deaths
Protests erupted a day before the election results were announced. Four protesters were killed and more than 100 were arrested in clashes with security forces in the city of Douala. Protesters blocked roads and accused the government of rigging the election. Security forces used tear gas to disperse protesters. Protests also took place in other cities such as Maroua and Garoua.
Biya’s Election Campaign And Opposition Anger
Biya has preferred to remain in public for years. He campaigned only once in this election, in the city of Maroua. There, he told the people that he understood their problems and could solve them using his experience. His rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, had claimed victory before the election, but Biya rejected this claim. The opposition and youth allege that Biya misused the government machinery to secure victory.
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Symbol of Sustainable Governance
Paul Biya’s continued tenure in power has made him a symbol of stability in Cameroon, but it also raises questions about long-term governance and democratic processes. His long tenure and continued power despite his old age have become a topic of discussion in national and global politics.