Cameroon’s long-time leader, Paul Biya, has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, extending his rule into a fifth decade.
The 92-year-old, who is the world’s oldest serving president, secured 53.66% of the vote, according to official results released on Monday by the Constitutional Council. His re-election means he could remain in power until 2032.
His closest rival, former government minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, came second with 35.2%, the council said. Bakary had claimed victory days after the 12 October vote, a claim the government dismissed.
Mr Biya has led the central African nation since 1982, making him one of the world’s longest-serving heads of state.
The announcement came a day after four people were killed and more than 100 arrested during protests in Douala, Cameroon’s largest city, as demonstrators took to the streets ahead of the results.
According to AFP, Regional governor Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua said several security officers were also injured when protesters clashed with police. Videos shared online showed security forces firing tear gas as demonstrators barricaded roads in Douala and other cities, including Garoua and Maroua in the north.
Authorities said dozens of opposition supporters had been detained in the days leading up to the announcement. Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji accused some of those arrested of plotting violent attacks.
Tensions have been rising in the nation of nearly 30 million people, where many young citizens and opposition groups have criticised Mr Biya’s decision to seek another term after more than 40 years in power.