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Biya, Paul

Cameroon's Constitutional Council to Hear Petitions on Presidential Election Amid Post-Election Tensions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tensions remain high in Cameroon as the Constitutional Council prepares to hear petitions related to the October 12 presidential election. The Council received the report of the National Electoral Commission (Elecam) for the final tally of votes, amidst President Paul Biya's bid for an eighth term and challenger Issa Tchiroma Bakary's declaration of victory. The hearing of petitions will pave the way for the proclamation of official results, according to the law. Several opposition candidates have filed petitions calling for the complete or partial cancellation of the vote.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Constitutional Council will hear 8 petitions, including those from three opposition candidates, related to the conduct of the October 12 presidential election.
  • Section 134 of Cameroon's Electoral Code states that the Constitutional Council may issue a decision to reject any petition it considers inadmissible or based on objections that cannot influence the outcome of the election.
  • President Paul Biya has urged voters to remain calm and has dispatched ministers to preach peace to the population in northern regions and the East region.
  • Challenger Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared himself the winner of the election, publishing results that give him a clear lead, but has not filed any petition with the Constitutional Council.
  • The law provides that election results be published at polling stations and validated by the Constitutional Council, which must declare the winner no later than 15 days after the closing date of the polls.

Statistics:

  • 11 petitions were received by the Constitutional Council calling for complete or partial cancellation of the vote.
  • 3 petitions were withdrawn by Monday, including those from two opposition candidates.
  • The Constitutional Council has 15 days to declare the winner after receiving the final tally of votes from Elecam.
  • The election was held on October 12, 2022.
  • The Constitutional Council must validate the results and make a decision by October 27.

Sources:

  • Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement (CPDM) statement on Tchiroma's declaration of victory
  • National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC) letter calling for peace
  • Section 134 of Cameroon's Electoral Code
  • "Cameroon counts votes as 92-year-old Biya seeks eighth term"
  • "Cameroon's incumbent, Paul Biya, seeks another term as the nation holds polls"

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