PAD Slams “Sham Elections” in Cameroon, Warns of Deepening Political Crisis

The Platform for African Democrats (PAD) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the October 12 presidential election in Cameroon, describing it as a fraudulent process marred by violence, manipulation, and repression.

According to PAD, the election “did not meet even the most basic democratic standards” and was “tainted by widespread irregularities and state-sponsored intimidation.” Despite growing evidence of vote tampering and post-election violence, the Constitutional Council swiftly confirmed Paul Biya’s victory, extending the 92-year-old’s rule to nearly five decades.

PAD says civil society groups and opposition parties filed eight petitions challenging the results before the Constitutional Council, but all were “dismissed without fair consideration.”

A parallel vote tabulation conducted by independent observers reportedly showed opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary winning 54.8% of the vote, compared to Biya’s 31.3%. PAD insists these findings point to a massive distortion of the people’s will.

The statement accuses authorities of unleashing security forces on protesters and opposition supporters in the aftermath of the announcement. “At least 24 civilians were killed in several regions,” it reports, adding that members of Tchiroma’s campaign, civil society actors, and journalists were arrested, some facing trial in military courts.

PAD also highlights the government’s use of disinformation, internet disruptions, and heavy deployment of the Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) to suppress dissent and control information.

A Captured Electoral System

The coalition argues that Cameroon’s electoral institutions are completely captured by the ruling party, making it impossible for elections to be free or fair.

“From the voter registration process to the declaration of results, the system is designed to protect those in power, not the will of the people,” the statement said.
PAD warns that this situation “risks plunging the country deeper into instability”, especially as protests grow across major cities and ghost town operations continue in several regions.

PAD is urging the international community to “recognize the legitimate will of the Cameroonian people” and to hold Biya’s government accountable for the ongoing repression.

It called on democratic governments, human rights defenders, and journalists to amplify the voices of Cameroonians and to push for genuine reforms that can restore trust in democratic institutions.

“The people of Cameroon have spoken,” the statement concludes. “Ignoring their voice now will only embolden autocrats and push the nation further toward chaos.”
The PAD’s remarks come amid mounting international criticism of Biya’s re-election. Both US and European lawmakers have questioned the credibility of the vote and condemned the violence against protesters.

Inside Cameroon, tensions remain high as security forces patrol major towns and opposition figures remain under house arrest or in hiding. Civil society leaders say the crackdown reflects a government in panic rather than confidence.

MMI News