Cameroon’s political tension deepened on Wednesday as the country’s top court dismissed all legal petitions challenging the October 12 presidential election, setting the stage for the final announcement of results in the coming days.
The Constitutional Council ruled that none of the 10 petitions filed by opposition candidates met the threshold of credible evidence to warrant the annulment or rerun of the election.
The council’s ruling is final and cannot be appealed under Cameroonian law, effectively clearing the path for the proclamation of official results.
The petitions had alleged ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, manipulation of electoral lists, and the exclusion of polling agents in several regions.
However, the council stated that the petitioners failed to present concrete proof to substantiate their accusations.
The decision was met with frustration among opposition supporters who had hoped for a more thorough investigation into alleged irregularities.
In a televised address on his official campaign platform, opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma maintained that he won the presidential election and vowed not to recognize any other outcome.
“If they prefer to threaten the serenity and peace of the country rather than admit defeat, we will respond with the peaceful determination of the people,” Tchiroma said.
His remarks came as unofficial tallies circulating online appeared to show incumbent President Paul Biya maintaining a commanding lead.
President Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, is seeking another term in office amid growing calls for political change in the Central African nation.
The long-serving leader’s party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), has denied allegations of vote rigging and praised the election process as free and fair.
Analysts say Tchiroma’s declaration of victory may further inflame political tensions ahead of the Constitutional Council’s final announcement.
Small but vocal protests erupted in several northern cities including Garoua, Tchiroma’s hometown, following the court’s ruling.
Local residents reported that demonstrators waved placards demanding transparency and chanting “Our votes must count.”
Security forces were deployed to disperse the gatherings, though no major clashes were reported as of Wednesday evening.
Political observers told The Africa Standard that the government’s handling of post-election tensions will be crucial in determining whether calm can be restored.
“Cameroon stands at a crossroads,” said one political analyst in Yaoundé. “The credibility of this election will determine whether citizens continue to believe in the democratic process.”
The Constitutional Council is expected to officially declare the winner by Sunday, in accordance with the country’s electoral laws.
Meanwhile, the opposition has called on international observers and human rights organizations to closely monitor the situation.
Tchiroma’s campaign team released a statement claiming it had “documented multiple instances of fraud” and “irregular counting procedures” in several regions.
They also alleged that some of their polling agents were denied access to collation centers in areas seen as strongholds of the ruling party.
Election authorities have dismissed those claims as “baseless,” insisting that the vote was conducted transparently and in line with electoral guidelines.
Cameroon’s Ministry of Territorial Administration has urged citizens to remain calm and to await the official results.
Observers note that the country has a history of contested elections, but outright post-election violence has been rare in recent years.
Still, international attention remains focused on Yaoundé as Cameroonians wait for the final verdict that could determine the future of one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
