YAOUNDE – 92-year-old Cameroonian president Paul Bida, the world’s oldest head of state, was declared the country’s presidential election with 53.66% of the vote, according to official results announced on Monday by the Constitutional Council.
Rival candidate and former government minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary came second with 35.2%, the council said. Chiroma had claimed victory against the incumbent two days after the October 12 election.
Biya defied widespread calls to step down and has been criticized for only showing up for one campaign rally, where he promised voters that “the best is still to come”.
Having already been in power since 1982 – another seven-year mandate could see him rule for 50 years. By 2032, he’ll be almost 100 years old.
His election victories have been marred by allegations of vote-rigging – claims which his party and the government have continuously denied.
Clashes with security forces left at least four protestors dead before the announcement as opposition supporters rallied to demand credible results.
Juba Witness with agencies
