Conflicting results spark tension after Cameroon’s 2025 presidential election

Wednesday 22 October 2025 - 13:15

By: Dakir Madiha

Conflicting results spark tension after Cameroon’s 2025 presidential election

A major dispute has erupted in Cameroon following the announcement of results from the 2025 presidential election. The official figures, released by the National Counting Commission from the Palais des Congrès in Yaoundé, named RDPC candidate Paul Biya as the winner with 53.66 percent of the vote, ahead of Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who received 35.19 percent. These results have been transmitted to the Constitutional Council for the definitive proclamation, but they are facing intense opposition.

Parallel sources present an alternative version, fueling a serious electoral controversy. According to these independent channels, original handwritten tally sheets from polling stations, which were not photocopied, allegedly indicate Issa Tchiroma Bakary as the real winner with 62.2 percent, while Paul Biya trails with just 26.7 percent. This stark divergence has led to pointed accusations of document tampering against ELECAM, the body responsible for overseeing the electoral process.

This situation has created a climate of high tension and cast doubts on the credibility of the vote. The final proclamation by the Constitutional Council is keenly awaited, as issues of electoral transparency and acceptance of the ultimate results are hotly debated by sections of the opposition and civil society.