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, and in recent days, hundreds of Tchiroma Bakary's supporters have defied protest bans in several cities, clashing with security forces.
On Sunday, at least four people were killed during protests in Cameroon's economic capital of Douala.
The regional governor, Samuel Dieudonné Diboua, stated that police posts were attacked, with security forces responding defensively.
Unrest continued on Monday when numerous individuals were shot near Tchiroma Bakary's residence in the city of Garoua. A local journalist reported that Tchiroma Bakary claimed on Facebook that shots were being fired at civilians gathered outside his home and alleged that snipers were targeting them.
Protesters have condemned what they claim to be a plan by the ruling CPDM to steal the victory from Tchiroma Bakary.
The situation remains so volatile in the capital, Yaoundé, that most businesses and schools have been closed, while civil servants have stayed home.
A total of ten candidates competed for the presidential office, including former Prime Minister Bello Bouba Maigari. Voter turnout was reportedly 58%.
At least ten petitions alleging electoral malpractice have been rejected by the Constitutional Council.
Residents of Yaoundé expressed their opinions about Biya's controversial victory. Many have voiced concerns over the state of the economy, corruption, and the declining social fabric of the nation.
Notably, President Biya has not publicly addressed the nation following his re-election, but his party has celebrated the victory online.
As his governance continues, analysts warn of the potential for political turmoil in Cameroon amidst claims that the results do not reflect the will of the people.
