The world’s oldest President, Paul Biya, has scripted history at the age of 92 by winning the Cameroon election again for an eighth term. The re-election could retain him in office until the age of nearly 100. The Central African country’s Constitutional Council announced the official result on Monday, following days of clashes between protestors and security forces, which left at least four people reportedly dead amid opposition calls for credible results.
Who Is Paul Biya?
Paul Biya (92) assumed his presidential duties in 1982 and has held firm control of authority ever since. He benefited from the scrapping of the presidential term limit in 2008 and was re-elected by comfortable margins.
Biya has spearheaded the central African nation since 1982, ruling the Presidential office longer than most citizens have lived. According to reports, over 70% of the nearly 30 million population is below 35 years of age. The October 12 election has revealed an intensifying conflict between Africa’s youth and its several aging leaders.
Biya secured 53.66% of the votes while former ally Issa Tchiroma Bakary received just 35.19%. The turnout was 57.7%. “Hereby proclaimed President-elect: the candidate Biya Paul,” said Clement Atangana, president of the Constitutional Council.
Opposition Alleges Security Forces Fired On Civilians
Following the results, opposition leader Tchiroma said that security forces had fired on civilians, killing two in his hometown of Garoua. “Shooting point-blank at your own brothers — I can’t help but wonder if you’re mercenaries. “Kill me if you want, but I will liberate this country by any means necessary. What blatant impunity,” he wrote in a post on social media
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