Cameroon's 92-year-old president has won a controversial eighth term, in a fiercely disputed election.
Paul Biya, who is the world's oldest head of state, won 53.7% of the vote, compared to the 35.2% of opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the Constitutional Council declared.
Before the announcement, Tchiroma Bakary - a former Biya ally - insisted he had won the election, but the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) dismissed his claim.
The election, held on 12 October, has been marred with deadly violence. In recent days, hundreds of Tchiroma Bakary's supporters have defied protest bans in several cities, clashing with security forces.
Biya thanked voters for once again trusting him. I sincerely hope that, together, we resolutely undertake to build a peaceful, united and prosperous Cameroon, he said in a statement.
On Sunday, at least four people were killed during protests in Douala, Cameroon's economic capital. The regional governor reported that police posts had come under attack and that security forces defended themselves.
Unrest continued the following day when shootings were reported near Tchiroma Bakary's residence, heightening the tensions between the authorities and opposition supporters.
Amid the continuing protests, concerns over the legitimacy of Biya's victory have been voiced by residents and analysts alike. While the CPDM celebrates Biya's win, his tenure has been criticized both for its long duration and for the issues facing the nation, including economic decline and rampant corruption.
As Cameroon faces a pivotal moment, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the increasing unrest and calls for a more democratic process.
