Yaoundé – October 27, 2025

In a historic result that extends his rule well into his 90s, President Paul Biya of Cameroon has secured an eighth term in office with 53.66 per cent of the vote, the nation’s Constitutional Council announced on Monday.

Mr Biya, 92, has held power since November 1982, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in Africa. Despite his advanced age, he declared his candidacy in July, stating: “Rest assured that my determination to serve you is commensurate with the serious challenges we face.” 

Official Results and Opposition Claims

The official tally puts opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary at 35.19 per cent of the vote, with a turnout of approximately 57 per cent of registered voters. 

Tchiroma, a former minister who broke with the ruling party earlier this year, responded by accusing authorities of rigging the election. He claimed his own data placed him ahead with 54.8 per cent of the vote and alleged that gunfire was being directed at civilians in Garoua. 

Security forces and protesters clashed in several cities including Douala and Yaoundé. Four people were reported killed in one confrontation, as authorities moved to restore order. 

Rule and Reforms

Under Biya’s presidency, Cameroon’s political pace has been slow and steady. In 2008, he abolished presidential term limits, enabling his continued stay in office. 

Supporters credit him with maintaining relative peace in a country beset by threats such as Boko Haram in the north and a separatist insurgency in the English-speaking regions. Critics argue his tenure has been defined by weak governance, corruption and limited opportunities for youth. 

What Happens Now?

Biya’s new seven-year term could carry him into his 100s — a prospect that, while technically possible, has stirred unease among both opposition groups and civil society. “What the country needs is renewal – not repetition,” human-rights lawyer Nkongho Felix Agbor told the Associated Press. 

For now, Biya’s ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), holds firm. But the opposition’s mobilising, and for many Cameroonians, especially the young, this election may feel more like a continuation than a beginning.

As Biya prepares to be sworn in within 15 days, the world will watch whether his leadership continues to bring stability — or whether the pressure for change grows stronger.