Cameroonians and observers outside are still holding their breath on the outcome of the country's presidential election, as long-time leader Paul Biya seeks an eighth term.
They are awaiting the official announcement of the winner.

Petitions filed

At least five petitions have been filed by some opposition politicians at the Constitutional Council against the conduct of the elections.

They allege irregularities, which the government and its supporters deny. That’s according to state broadcaster CRTV.

The Constitutional Council is the body mandated to validate and announce final results, as well as look into petitions.

CRTV reported that Paul Biya's main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, is not among the petitioners.

Protests erupt

There have been protests and tensions in several cities, including Cameroon's commercial hub of Douala and the city of Maroua, which is the hometown of the main opposition candidate, Bakary.

The demonstrators are demanding greater transparency in the vote tallying process. The authorities say scores of protesters have been arrested.

The office of the ruling party, Cameroon People's Democratic Movement, in the city of Dschang was torched. The party has vowed to take "legal action against the individuals’’ responsible for the fire.

Opposition candidate Bakary claims Victory

Perhaps the biggest dramatic development following voting in Cameroon is the declaration of victory by Paul Biya's main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary. He urged Biya to accept defeat.

However, the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, from Paul Biya's government has rejected Bakary's claims, accusing him of attempting to undermine the electoral process and cause confusion.

Official results declaration

A dozen candidates participated in the October 12 elections, with more than seven million registered voters. 

But the contest is mainly between the 92-year-old incumbent, Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982, and his former employment minister, 76-year-old Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who switched to opposition earlier this year.

Now, the big question many are asking is: When will the final official results be announced?

The electoral commission, ELECAM, is still tallying the results.
After the tally, the Constitutional Council will check and validate the outcome and then declare the winner.

According to Cameroon's electoral law, the Constitutional Council has until October 26, 2025, to announce the election outcome – two weeks after voting closed.