As Cameroonians anxiously await the official results of the October 12 presidential election, tension is mounting across the country following widespread protests and social media claims of victory by opposition supporters.
Reports from several divisions, particularly in the North, Littoral, and West Regions, indicate that groups of opposition supporters have stormed local government offices and Divisional Vote Collection Centres, demanding transparency and denouncing what they call “massive electoral fraud” by the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).
In response to the growing unrest, the Government of Cameroon, through its Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, René Emmanuel Sadi, issued an official communiqué on Wednesday, October 15, urging calm and warning against any acts that violate the country’s electoral laws.
Government Calls for Calm and Respect for the Law
According to the communiqué, the government expressed concern that “a number of political leaders, a few citizens, and some media outlets” have taken it upon themselves to proclaim results of the election before the competent authority has done so.
The statement specifically condemned one presidential candidate’s declaration of victory on social media, calling it “a clear violation of the laws in force.”
“The conduct of elections and referendums in Cameroon is governed by the Electoral Code,” the communiqué read, reminding the public that only the Constitutional Council has the exclusive power to proclaim the official results of a presidential election.
Government Explains Legal Procedure for Result Declaration
The communiqué outlined the step-by-step legal process for the collation and proclamation of results, in a bid to clarify misunderstandings and counter premature announcements.
- Within 48 hours after polls close, Local Polling Commissions must forward their reports to the Council Supervisory Commissions.
- Within 72 hours, the Divisional Supervisory Commissions submit their findings to the National Commission for the Final Counting of Votes.
- The National Commission then has five days to complete its review and transmit the final report to the Constitutional Council.
- Finally, the Constitutional Council has a maximum of 15 days after the close of the polls to adopt and proclaim the results of the presidential election.
The Minister stressed that candidates are legally represented at every stage of the process, ensuring transparency and accountability.
“Any action that contravenes this process constitutes a serious breach of the regulations in force in Cameroon,” the communiqué warned, emphasizing that those responsible will face legal consequences.
Call for Maturity and Patriotism
The government appealed to all political actors, civil society leaders, and media practitioners—including those on social media—to act responsibly and avoid spreading unverified information that could inflame public tension.
“The Government of the Republic urges Cameroonians to continue to show proof of maturity, responsibility, and calm while awaiting the publication of the results by the Constitutional Council,” the statement concluded.
As of this report, the Constitutional Council has not yet released official results, but according to the law, it has until October 27, 2025, to proclaim the outcome of the election.
Meanwhile, security forces have been deployed around key administrative buildings nationwide to prevent further incidents, as the nation holds its breath for what could be one of the most closely watched and contentious election results in recent history.
