Platform for African Democrats raises concern over October 12 poll.

The statement is signed by about 39 signatories including four Cameroonians, who are members of the World Liberty Congress.

The Cameroonians include Aristide Mono, Bate Tabenyang Alaine, Cyrille Rolande Bechon and Beatrice Ndefon.

The other signatories, and members of the World Liberty Congress include; Alain Mulumba, of Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, Ali Idrissa Nani, of Niger, Aloikin Praise Opoloje, of Uganda and Anaise Kanimba of Rwanda.

According to the document, a copy of which The Guardian Post has seen, PAD revealed that the October 12 presidential election did not meet basic democratic standards, and was marred by violence and state manipulation of the results.

PAD added that the October 12 poll was marred by numerous irregularities and voter suppression, with the ruling Cameroon People Democratic Movement, CPDM, party rejecting claims that it had lost.

According to PAD, riots have been recorded in major cities and commercial centres, including Douala, Garoua, Dschang, Bafoussam, Kousseri and Limbe, by citizens who are concerned that the vote had been manipulated.

They also said that they have noted massive government-sponsored disinformation campaigns, including on social media, are occurring, which have contributed to rising tensions, internet shutdown, and the deployment of forces of law.

PAD, in the document, also bemoaned the arrests of opposition members, abductions and disappearances of dissidents from Civil Society Organizations, CSO, and the opposition.

They revealed that over 100 opposition figures have been arrested by unidentified security operatives. These include Anicet Ekane and Djeukam Tchameni, and Aba’a Oyono.  

PAD described the incidents as overwhelming evidence of electoral irregularities, violence, and state-sponsored manipulation during the October 12 election. They called for the recognition of the legitimate will of the Cameroonian people.

“We ask that President Paul Biya and his administration respect the people's clear desire for change and take definitive steps to instil democratic integrity,” PAD said in their statement.

They also added that: “Furthermore, we urge the international community, including global democrats, journalists, and civil society organisations, to remain alert, amplify local voices, and actively oppose further escalation of government repression”.

It should be mentioned that incumbent Paul Biya was declared winner of the October 12 presidential election by the Constitutional Council.

Biya secured 53.66% of the votes to win an eighth term in office and extend his 43-year rule at the helm of the state. Biya has been in power since 1982 and was sworn in yesterday at the National Assembly. 

Biya promised sweeping reforms during the oath taking ceremony in his seven-year mandate.

The Platform for African Democrats was established as a collective forum in 2022 to improve the competitiveness of political processes across Africa.

It operates in a transparent manner to share experiences and identify best electoral and political party practices. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3618 of Friday November 07, 2025