Wayne Lumbasi
Tension is gripping Cameroon following a fiercely contested presidential election held on October 12, 2025. The country, long ruled by President Paul Biya, now finds itself at a political crossroads as both the ruling party and the opposition claim victory amid mounting unrest.
President Biya, 92, who has been in power since 1982, is seeking yet another term in office. His main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, declared himself the winner shortly after polls closed, claiming to have won overwhelmingly and urging Biya to concede defeat. The declaration sparked outrage within the government, which dismissed the move as an act of “high treason.”
The official results are yet to be released by Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) and the Constitutional Council, which is the only body empowered to validate presidential results. Several opposition parties have already filed petitions to the Council, alleging massive fraud, vote tampering, and intimidation at polling stations across the country.
In some cases, entire regions reportedly saw inflated voter turnouts that far exceeded registered voter counts. The Council is currently reviewing these complaints, and its verdict expected before October 26 and will determine the final outcome.
Meanwhile, protests have erupted in several cities, with demonstrators accusing the authorities of orchestrating another stolen election. The situation worsened when a fire broke out at the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) office in Dschang, which the government has blamed on opposition supporters. Security forces have been deployed to major towns, raising fears of a heavy-handed response.
Many young Cameroonians, frustrated by decades of economic stagnation, unemployment, and widespread corruption, view this election as their chance for change. But with both sides refusing to back down and the credibility of the Constitutional Council under scrutiny -given its perceived loyalty to Biya .The country stands on the edge of a political storm.
Analysts warn that the Council’s ruling could either calm or inflame tensions. A declaration in favor of Biya may ignite large-scale demonstrations, while any sign of support for the opposition could trigger a government backlash.
Cameroon’s stability is vital for Central Africa, as the nation continues to battle separatist tensions in its Anglophone regions and threats from Boko Haram in the north. A disputed election could worsen both crises, deepening social and political divides.As citizens await the Constitutional Council’s decision, the world watches anxiously hoping that Cameroon’s next chapter will be written through justice and restraint, not chaos.
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