Cameroon: Biya declared election winner October 15; protests likely /update 1

Event

On Monday, October 15, the National Electoral Census Commission declared incumbent President Paul Biya the winner of the October 7 presidential elections, with 71.28 percent of the vote. The results have already been rejected by the opposition, which has denounced irregularities at some polling stations and related fraud.

The announcement came one day before the deadline for petitions to the Constitutional Court to denounce electoral irregularities. The court was supposed to have until October 22 to examine these petitions.

Protests and violence are likely throughout Cameroon in the coming hours and days, especially in its English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions. A continued heavy security presence can be expected throughout major urban centers, especially in these regions, in the coming days. Political demonstrations, as well as attacks by separatist militants, remain possible.

Context

On October 11, all three major opposition candidates appealed to the Constitutional Court to annul all or part of the October 7 vote. All candidates cited incidents of voter fraud and vote-rigging; Cameroon's election body has denied all claims of election interference. These appeals follow the October 8 declaration of victory by opposition candidate Maurice Kamto, a former government minister.

Advice

Individuals in Cameroon are advised to closely monitor developments to the situation and avoid any rallies, protests, or other large public gatherings due to the potential for unrest. Abide by all instructions issued by the local authorities and your home government.