Three political parties that participated in Cameroon’s October 7 presidential election have formally congratulated Paul Biya, following his official declaration as the winner.
PAL Congratulates Biya Despite Past Opposition
Following Monday’s proclamation by Cameroon’s Constitutional Council, the Liberal Alliance Party (PAL) released a statement congratulating the incumbent president for securing over 53 percent of the vote. The letter was signed by HRH Celestine Bedzigui, PAL’s president, who attended the declaration ceremony at the Congress Center in Yaoundé.
Originally, PAL had endorsed Ateki Seta Caxton, who later allied with Bello Bouba Maigari. Mr. Ateki had previously congratulated Issa Tchiroma Bakary, another candidate claiming victory. Yet, the PAL president did not hesitate to describe Ateki as an opportunist, despite his own past opposition stance.
FDC Quickly Recognizes Biya as Winner
The Front for Democracy in Cameroon (FDC) also moved swiftly. Party President Denis Atangana Emilien congratulated Paul Biya just hours after the polls closed, officially declaring him the winner.
Atangana’s statement caused tension within FDC ranks, particularly with the party’s candidate Hiram Samuel Iyodi. Hiram publicly rejected Biya’s victory and resigned from the FDC. According to the Constitutional Council’s official results, Hiram received 0.40 percent of the vote.
PCRN Sends Cautious Congratulations
Following PAL and FDC, the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN) extended congratulations to the president. Signed by Cabral Libii, the letter did not explicitly mention Paul Biya by name but encouraged supporters to prepare for the 2026 municipal and parliamentary elections.
Opposition Remains Divided
The opposition continues to show fractured support. Several candidates, such as Ateki Seta Caxton and Akere Muna, expressed their congratulations to Issa Tchiroma Bakary. Joshua Osih of the SDF has condemned the process, denouncing what they termed “fraud” and saying there is a need for serious reforms. Tomaino Ndam Njoya of the UDC said the results did not reflect the will of the people. Jacques Bouhga Hagbe of the MCMC rather said Cameroonians should accept the results. Others have yet to comment, even after the Constitutional Council’s official proclamation.
Biya Wins With 53 Percent, Swearing-In Set for November 6
The official results show Paul Biya secured over 2 million votes, representing 53 percent of the total. He is expected to be sworn in on November 6, beginning a new seven-year term.
Protests Erupt Following Official Declaration
The proclamation has sparked protests across the country, as challengers question the legitimacy of the results. Issa Tchiroma Bakary has vowed to contest the outcome, insisting that he will not allow his claimed “victory” to be stolen.