To absolutely no one's surprise, Cameroon's Constitutional Council has proclaimed the re-election of 92-year-old President Paul Biya, the world's oldest head of state, for an eighth successive term.
Amid rumors of a close result and claims of victory by his main challenger, former government minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, excitement and tension had been building before the declaration on Monday.
The official outcome—victory for Biya with 53.7%, ahead of Tchiroma Bakary, who received 35.2%—came as both a shock and, for many Cameroonians, an anticlimax.
Biya's decision to stand for another seven-year mandate, after 43 years in power, was inevitably contentious due to his longevity and a governance style raising questions about his actual engagement.
His extended stays abroad, typically in Geneva, have spurred speculation over whether he is truly governing or if the prime minister and ministers are making most decisions.
Last year, after delivering a speech in France and attending a summit in China, Biya disappeared from public view for nearly six weeks, sparking health concerns. His reappearance was met with divisive opinions about his active role in leadership.
This year, it was unsurprising when he scheduled a pre-election visit to Geneva shortly before polling day, which hints at his detached governance approach.
His lack of formal cabinet meetings and public discussions on complex issues create uncertainty about his administration's goals, despite capable ministers handling various initiatives.
Biya has notoriously cracked down on protests against his government. However, his power stems from his balancing act within a country marked by social and linguistic differences, as he has formed a composite government to include varied backgrounds.
Despite pressures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), his administrations have prevented financial disaster while lacking a compelling political vision.
Rumors about succession persist with increasing mentions of his son Franck, despite his disinterest in politics. Meanwhile, Biya's governance faces significant development and security challenges amid resource richness.
Popular tolerance for Biya's low-key, semi-authoritarian rule may be waning. Many Cameroonians appear disenchanted with a system that provides a semblance of elections but fails to implement changes in leadership.
The ongoing conflict in the English-speaking regions has further exposed the limitations of the president's cautious methods. His delayed responses to protests demanding reform have led to intensified violence.
With a muted economic and social development vision, Biya risks losing the support base he has retained.
In this election cycle, Tchiroma's candidacy has shifted public sentiment remarkably compared to previous challengers, yet the official results have sparked deep frustration, particularly among opposition supporters.
The state's security forces have clashed with protesters, resulting in injuries in major cities like Douala and Garoua, leading to a mounting crisis around Biya's eighth term.
Paul Melly is a consulting fellow with the Africa Programme at Chatham House in London.
