Cameroon’s Constitutional Council has rejected all petitions seeking to annul or partially cancel the country’s disputed presidential election held on October 12. Judges ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support claims of widespread irregularities.
The decision paves the way for the official announcement of results on Monday, amid growing tension and street protests in several major cities. Opposition supporters have accused the government of ballot-stuffing and vote manipulation in favor of incumbent President Paul Biya.
The Constitutional Council dismissed eight separate petitions filed by opposition parties and civil groups. Judges said the complaints either lacked credible evidence or fell outside the court’s jurisdiction.
In its ruling, the Council reaffirmed its authority as the only institution legally mandated to validate and proclaim election results in Cameroon. The announcement followed days of public hearings broadcast live across the country.
Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former government spokesman turned rival, has declared himself the legitimate winner of the poll. He claimed to have secured 55 percent of the vote based on what he described as verified returns from 80 percent of polling stations.
Tchiroma Bakary, 76, has accused President Biya’s government of orchestrating large-scale electoral fraud. He alleged that some ballot boxes were pre-filled and that voter intimidation occurred in several regions.
In a video statement shared on social media, Tchiroma Bakary warned that if the Constitutional Council “proclaims falsified and truncated results, it will be complicit in a breach of trust.”
He further stated that the Cameroonian people “will have no choice but to take their destiny into their own hands” if the official results contradict the popular will. His remarks have fueled concerns about potential unrest.
President Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for 43 years, is seeking another seven-year term. The 92-year-old leader made only one public appearance during the campaign, relying heavily on state media and ruling party machinery.
Biya’s allies have dismissed Bakary’s self-declaration as illegal and unconstitutional. They insist that only the Constitutional Council has the authority to announce results and declare the winner.
Several ruling party officials accused Bakary of attempting to incite civil disorder and undermine state institutions. They warned that his actions could amount to sedition under Cameroonian law.
The Africa Standard reports that major cities including Yaoundé, Douala, and Bafoussam have witnessed protests since election day. Security forces have been deployed to maintain order, and several opposition supporters have been detained.
Local media have reported incidents of clashes between protesters and police, with tear gas used to disperse crowds demanding transparency in the vote-counting process.
The influential Catholic Church in Cameroon has appealed for calm and urged judges to ensure that their decision reflects “the genuine will of the people.”
In a statement issued earlier this week, the Episcopal Conference called for justice and truth in the electoral process. It warned that any perception of bias could plunge the country into deeper crisis.
Cameroon remains deeply divided, facing both political tension and ongoing violence in its Anglophone regions, where separatists have been fighting government forces for several years.
The Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North region also continues to threaten stability, adding to the volatile mix of challenges facing the country.
Observers from regional bodies, including the African Union, have acknowledged logistical difficulties during the election but stopped short of calling it fraudulent.
Some opposition leaders have accused the Constitutional Council of lacking independence since all its members were appointed by President Biya. They argue that the body cannot impartially rule on cases involving the incumbent.
Civil society groups have called for greater transparency in the tallying process, demanding that the election results be published polling station by polling station to verify authenticity.
Despite mounting pressure, government spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi has insisted that the election was free, fair, and conducted in line with constitutional procedures.
He described opposition allegations as baseless and politically motivated, asserting that Cameroon’s democracy remains “solid and mature.”
As the nation awaits Monday’s final results, analysts warn that any declaration perceived as unfair could trigger widespread unrest and deepen divisions within the country.
International partners, including the African Union and the United Nations, have urged restraint and encouraged dialogue between the government and opposition to maintain peace.
The Africa Standard will continue to monitor developments as Cameroon braces for the official results of one of its most contentious elections in decades.
