By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
The Constitutional Council of Cameroon has officially declared President Paul Biya, aged 92, the winner of the 2025 presidential election, securing an unprecedented eighth term in office. According to provisional results released by the Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), Biya, the candidate of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), garnered 53.66% of the total votes cast.
His closest contender, Issa Tchiroma Bakary of the National Salvation Front (CNSF), obtained 35.19%, while Libii Li Ngue Cabral of the National Reconciliation Party (CPNR) followed with 3.41%. Bello Bouba Maigari of the National Union for Democracy and Progress (NUDP) finished fourth with 2.45%.
The result, announced on October 27, 2025, means that President Biya l who has ruled the Central African nation since 1982 will remain in power until 2032, marking over 50 years of continuous leadership if he completes his new term.
Biya’s enduring hold on power has been both lauded and criticized across the continent. Supporters credit him for maintaining stability in a country challenged by security threats from Boko Haram insurgents in the north and separatist conflicts in the Anglophone regions. Critics, however, accuse his administration of authoritarianism, electoral manipulation, and failing to address deep-rooted socio-economic grievances.
International observers and opposition figures have expressed concerns about the transparency of the electoral process, citing restricted political freedoms and limited media access during the campaign period. Despite these issues, ELECAM described the elections as “peaceful and credible,” though voter turnout reportedly declined compared to previous polls.
President Biya, who first assumed office on November 6, 1982, succeeding Ahmadou Ahidjo, has long been a dominant figure in African politics. Often referred to as one of the continent’s last “old guard” leaders, his continued leadership places him among the world’s longest-serving heads of state.
In his post-election address, Biya called for unity and peace, promising to “continue steering Cameroon toward progress, development, and national cohesion.” Opposition parties, however, have vowed to challenge the results, demanding electoral reforms and greater democratic accountability.
As Biya prepares to embark on another seven-year term, Cameroonians remain divided some viewing his victory as a symbol of continuity and experience, others as a sign of political stagnation and democratic fatigue.
With this development, Cameroon once again finds itself at a critical juncture navigating between the familiar leadership of its long-standing president and growing calls from younger generations for renewal and reform.
Source: ELECAM Provisional Results (as of October 27, 2025).
