By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The Cameroon Constitutional Council has rejected all petitions filed by candidates seeking to annul the October 12 presidential election, citing alleged irregularities. The petitions were rejected following the hearing of the council that took place on October 22 in Yaounde.
Eight petitions were submitted by opposition parties, civil society groups, and other election stakeholders, with complaints ranging from alleged ballot-stuffing to voter intimidation.
During lengthy hearings, Council President Clément Atangana remarked that although some petitions were deemed “valid in form,” their arguments did not provide adequate justification. Additionally, other petitions were classified as “not valid.”
The council’s decisions are final and cannot be appealed. Initially, 11 petitions were filed; however, three presidential candidates later withdrew their complaints, leaving eight for consideration.
Self-proclaimed presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 76, did not file any petition, claiming the process was compromised since council members were appointed by President Paul Biya.
These rulings pave the way for the announcement of the final election results, which, according to the Electoral Code, must be disclosed on or before October 27.
In the meantime, clashes have erupted in several regions, particularly in the Far North, where protesters have confronted police forces.
