YAOUNDE-(MaraviPost)-In a move that has sparked widespread outrage and violence, the Constitutional Council of Cameroon has declared President Paul Biya the winner of the October 12 presidential election, with 53.66% of the vote.

The announcement, made on Monday, has ignited a powder keg of tensions that had been building since the election, with opposition supporters taking to the streets to demand recognition of their candidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s, claimed victory.

The opposition has been vocal in its accusations of electoral fraud, with Bakary, a former government spokesperson and minister, claiming that he won the election with nearly 54.8% of the vote.

According to Bakary, his figures are based on an internal compilation from 18 departments, which he said represent 80% of the national electorate.

However, the Constitutional Council has dismissed these claims, validating the results that show Biya winning the majority of votes.

The declaration of Biya’s victory has led to violent clashes between opposition supporters and security forces, resulting in at least four deaths and numerous injuries.

Protesters have taken to the streets in several cities, including the economic hub of Douala, where barricades were erected and tires were burned. Security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.

“Biya now has a notably shaky mandate given many of his own citizens don’t believe he won the election,” said Murithi Mutiga, Africa Program Director at the International Crisis Group.

Mutiga has called on Biya to initiate a national mediation to prevent further escalation.

The election has exposed deep-seated divisions within the country, with many Cameroonians expressing frustration with Biya’s decades-long rule.

Biya, 92, has been in power since 1982, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the world.

His re-election would extend his rule into its fifth decade, sparking concerns about the country’s future stability.

The opposition’s allegations of electoral fraud have been denied by the government, which has maintained that the election was conducted fairly.

However, the opposition’s claims have been echoed by some international observers, who have raised concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is watching closely, with many calling for calm and restraint.

The African Union and other regional organizations have a crucial role to play in mediating the crisis and ensuring a peaceful transfer of power.

In the meantime, Cameroonians are bracing for the worst, with many fearing that the situation could escalate further.

“I am ready to stake my life to defend my vote,” said Oumarou Bouba, a 27-year-old trader in Maroua, adding that, “I voted for Tchiroma because I want change”.

The outcome of the election has also raised concerns about the country’s stability and economic future.

Cameroon has enjoyed modest economic growth in recent years, but many young people feel excluded from the benefits of this growth.

The country’s official unemployment rate is 3.5%, but 57% of workers aged 18 to 35 are in informal jobs.

As Biya prepares to begin another seven-year term, the challenges facing the country are clear.

Can the government address the concerns of the opposition and the people, or will the country be plunged into further turmoil? Only time will tell.

The Maravi Post