Deborah Akinyosoye
Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya has been declared the winner of heavily disputed elections by the Constitutional Council
He got 53.7% of the vote compared to the 35.2% of his main challenger Issa Tchiroma Bakary
Biya, who is the world’s oldest head of state, will now serve an eighth consecutive term. He first came to power in 1982
Tchiroma Bakary had earlier claimed victory, saying the Constitutional Council will announce a tainted result
There are reports of deadly shootings near the candidate’s home in the city of Garoua
At least four people were killed on Sunday in clashes with the security forces in the commercial hub of Douala
Most shops and schools in the capital Yaoundé are shut because of fears of unrest.
Security forces initially used tear gas before firing “live ammunition,” according to protesters interviewed by AFP.
Since last week, supporters of Issa Tchiroma, who according to his own tally won 54.8 percent of the votes against 31.3 percent for Biya, have taken to the streets to defend his claimed victory.
Most analysts expected Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state, to secure another seven-year term in a system that critics say has been increasingly rigged.
Biya is only the second head of state to lead Cameroon since independence from France in 1960.
He has ruled with an iron fist, repressing all political and armed opposition, and holding onto power through social upheaval, economic disparity and separatist violence.