Constitutional Council Dismisses Petitions

Cameroon's Constitutional Council on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, dismissed all petitions contesting the presidential election held on Saturday, October 12, 2025. This decision paves the way for the official announcement of results, which are widely expected to confirm 92-year-old President Paul Biya's victory for an eighth term. The council is mandated to proclaim the final results by Monday, October 27, 2025.

Protests and Arrests Escalate

The dismissal of the petitions has intensified political tensions across Cameroon, leading to clashes between security forces and opposition supporters in various cities, including the capital Yaoundé, Douala, and Garoua. Protesters accuse authorities of widespread electoral fraud and manipulation. In response, security forces have deployed tear gas and made arrests.

At least 20 people have been arrested in connection with these protests, with authorities confirming detentions in Garoua. Cameroon's Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, stated on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, that 20 of those arrested would face military courts on charges of insurrection and incitement to rebellion. He accused the protesters of being manipulated by political actors aiming to destabilise the country.

Opposition Claims Victory Amidst Irregularities

Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former government minister, declared himself the winner of the October 12 election just a day after the vote. He urged President Biya to concede defeat, claiming the people had made their choice and it must be respected. Tchiroma and his supporters allege vote tampering and ballot stuffing.

Civil society observers, including the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC), have reported several irregularities during the election. These include the relocation of polling stations, failure to update electoral registers, and the presence of deceased persons' names on voter lists. A coalition of eight civil society groups also cited unequal distribution of ballot papers and attempts at ballot box stuffing.

Despite these claims, provisional results, which were not officially published but reported by sources from the National Commission for the Final Counting of Votes and the Jeune Afrique media group, indicated President Biya leading with 53-54 percent of the votes, while Tchiroma Bakary had approximately 35 percent.

Historical Context and Governance

President Paul Biya has governed Cameroon since 1982, making him one of Africa's longest-serving leaders. His ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) has maintained power through a system that critics, including Freedom House, allege involves rigging elections and limiting opposition activities.

Cameroon's political landscape is also marked by an ongoing Anglophone Crisis in the Northwest and Southwest regions, where separatists are seeking independence. This conflict has resulted in widespread civilian deaths and displacements, and has significantly impacted voter turnout in these regions, with many polling stations deserted or closed during the recent election.

Legal Framework and Electoral Process

The President of Cameroon is elected by first-past-the-post voting, meaning the candidate with the most votes wins without needing an absolute majority. The Constitutional Council is the body responsible for reviewing electoral disputes and proclaiming the final results.

Risks and Implications

The current political climate carries significant risks for Cameroon's stability. The government has consistently dismissed opposition claims of fraud as attempts to destabilise the country. The use of military courts for civilians arrested during protests raises concerns about due process and human rights.

What to Watch

The official proclamation of the presidential election results by the Constitutional Council, expected by Monday, October 27, 2025, remains the critical next step. The international community will be closely watching the government's response to ongoing protests and its adherence to human rights standards.

Evidence/Data Box

• Election Date: Saturday, October 12, 2025
• Provisional Results (reported): Paul Biya 53-54%, Issa Tchiroma Bakary 35% (Source: National Commission for the Final Counting of Votes and Jeune Afrique media group, October 21, 2025)
• Constitutional Council Deadline: Final results to be proclaimed by Monday, October 27, 2025
• Arrests: At least 20 protesters arrested, facing charges of insurrection and incitement to rebellion (Source: Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji, October 21, 2025)