Cameroon Judges Dismiss Election Fraud Claims, Protests Erupt

Thu Oct 23 2025 23:51:11 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a controversial decision, Cameroonian judges have dismissed multiple complaints of electoral fraud related to the recent presidential election, leading to massive protests and rising tensions across the nation.

Judges in Cameroon have refuted calls to annul the results of the disputed presidential election held on October 12. Protesters allege widespread irregularities, while opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary has declared himself the legitimate winner, a claim rejected by the ruling party. Fear of potential violence grows as the nation awaits the official results.

Judges in Cameroon have dismissed calls for the partial or total cancellation of the heavily disputed presidential election, saying they will announce the result on Monday.

Major cities in the country have been rocked by protests, with opposition supporters alleging that the 12 October poll was marred by irregularities, including ballot-stuffing.

Judges on the Constitutional Council dismissed eight petitions, citing insufficient evidence of irregularities or a lack of jurisdiction to annul results.

Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary has declared himself the winner - a claim rejected by allies of 92-year-old President Paul Biya, who is seeking another seven-year term.

Biya has been in power for 43 years, and addressed only one campaign rally ahead of the election.

Tchiroma Bakary, 76, is a former government spokesman who broke ranks with Biya to challenge him for power. He refused to file complaints with the Constitutional Council, whose judges have been appointed by Biya, choosing instead to declare himself the legal and legitimate president.

In a video statement, Tchiroma Bakary claimed to have won the election with about 55% of the vote, based on returns representing 80% of the electorate.

If the Constitutional Council proclaims falsified and truncated results, it will be complicit in a breach of trust, he declared.

The opposition's claims and growing tensions have sparked fears of post-electoral violence in a nation already facing challenges from separatist conflicts and insurgency.