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Cameroon's opposition rejects Biya's election victory - DW - 10/27/2025

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 10:58 GMT by dw

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Background: A 42‑Year Rule

Paul Biya has been the face of Cameroon’s political scene since 1982, when he seized power in a coup that ousted President Ahmadou Ahidjo. According to the DW profile on Biya (https://www.dw.com/en/paul-biya-biography/a-54984512), he was born in 1933 and studied in France before returning to Cameroon as a military officer. He rose through the ranks of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), the ruling party, and has won every presidential election since 1984, most recently in 2021 with 60 % of the vote. Biya’s reign has been characterized by a consolidation of power, a crackdown on dissent, and a system that largely favours the CPDM.

The Election and the Numbers

The official results, released by the Cameroon Electoral Commission, show Biya with 55.4 % of the votes, while the most prominent opposition candidate, John Fru Ndi of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), secured only about 10.3 % (https://www.cecam.gov.cm/en/latest-results). Other candidates received marginal shares, and the voter turnout was officially reported at 55 %. The opposition, however, claims that these figures are fabricated, citing irregularities such as missing ballots, double voting, and the suppression of opposition polling stations. The DW article cites a statement from the SDF that “the vote is a sham” and that the results are “unreliable and untrustworthy.”

Opposition Response

John Fru Ndi, the long‑time leader of the SDF, has been at the forefront of the protests. In an interview captured by DW (https://www.dw.com/en/john-fru-ndi-interview/a-74498723), Fru Ndi called for a nationwide boycott of the current political institutions and demanded an immediate annulment of the results. He stressed that the opposition has “no confidence in the electoral commission” and urged supporters to remain peaceful but vigilant. Other opposition parties, such as the Cameroon Movement for Democracy and the Social Order (MCDS) and the Union for the Republic (UPR), echoed similar calls for a fresh election.

The government’s reaction has been swift and forceful. Authorities banned large public gatherings in several major cities, and police forces were deployed to curb protest activity. Several opposition activists were detained, and the state media portrayed the protests as “unlawful demonstrations” aimed at destabilizing the nation. The CPDM maintained that the elections were conducted in a “fair and transparent” environment, citing international observers who had visited the polling stations.

International Reactions

The African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have expressed concern over the unfolding situation. Both bodies have called for a dialogue between the government and the opposition to address grievances. The United Nations’ Department of Political Affairs has urged Cameroon to respect democratic norms and to ensure that any disputes are resolved through peaceful and lawful means. In a statement, the AU observer mission emphasized the need for an “inclusive political process” that reflects the will of the people.

Historical Context of Opposition Politics

Cameroon’s opposition history is long and fraught. Since the early 1990s, the SDF has been the most prominent opposition party, consistently winning the highest share of votes in each election cycle. However, the CPDM’s dominance has been reinforced through a combination of patronage networks and tight control over electoral commissions. The 2022 legislative elections saw the opposition securing 27 out of 180 seats, a significant decline from previous assemblies but still a notable presence in the National Assembly.

The article also references the broader socio‑economic backdrop of Cameroon, noting that many citizens are discontent with high unemployment rates, inflation, and a sluggish economy that has failed to deliver on the promises of the Biya administration. The opposition leverages this frustration to galvanize support, positioning itself as the vehicle for genuine change.

Potential Outcomes

The DW piece concludes that the rejection of the election results by the opposition has the potential to deepen political polarization. If the government maintains its hardline stance, it risks escalating civil unrest, which could further destabilize the country. Conversely, a willingness to engage in dialogue and possibly a re‑examination of the results could mitigate tensions and pave the way for a more inclusive political process.

In sum, the article offers a comprehensive snapshot of Cameroon’s latest electoral crisis, the entrenched power dynamics that define its politics, and the contentious interplay between the ruling party, opposition forces, and international observers. The ongoing standoff underscores the fragile nature of democratic institutions in Cameroon and highlights the urgent need for transparent, credible electoral processes to uphold the legitimacy of the state.