5 hours ago92-year-old Paul Biya secures eighth presidential mandate in Cameroon
Periskopi(7 months ago)
(7 months ago)Cameroon's 92-year-old president, Paul Biya, has been re-elected to his eighth consecutive mandate, strengthening power after more than four decades at the head of state. The official score of 53.7% of the vote was announced by the Constitutional Council, while its main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, received 35.2%. Biyas' victory was met with [...]
Biya's victory was met with disappointment and feelings of emptiness from the opposition and citizens who had hoped for change. His decision to run again, after 43 years in power, has sparked major debates in a country facing internal crises and tensions highlighted in English - speaking regions.
His style of government has been shut down and distanced, often from abroad, has created uncertainty about the real direction of the state. Biya, who often stays for long periods in Geneva, rarely holds cabinet meetings or speaks out on important issues, reports the BBC.
Despite age and lack of transparency, the president has maintained power thanks to strong control over state structures and the lack of a clear political successor. In the opposition ranks, disappointment has deepened following reports of clashes with security forces in the towns of Douala and Garoua after the results were announced.
Analysts stress that the eighth mandate of Biyas could bring new political and social tensions, as many citizens feel tired of a system that offers multiparty <x0 elections, but little hope for change.
