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, said police posts had come under attack and security forces defended themselves.
The unrest continued on Monday when several civilians were reportedly shot dead near Tchiroma Bakary's residence in Garoua.
Protesters were denouncing what they said was a plan by the ruling CPDM, to steal the victory from Tchiroma Bakary.
The situation is so tense in the capital, Yaoundé, that almost all shops and schools have remained closed.
In total, 10 candidates were in the running for the presidential office, including former Prime Minister Bello Bouba Maigari. Voter turnout was noted at 58%.
Residents in Yaoundé voiced their discontent over Biya's victory, with one stating, We are at the beginning of another nightmare... the economy is declining, corruption is endemic. Another urged acceptance of the result for the sake of peace.
Biya, who has been in power since 1982, has yet to address the nation following his victory, but the CPDM party has praised the outcome as under the sign of greatness and hope. However, his administration has faced criticism for its response to a violent separatist insurgency and rampant unemployment.
Analysts warn that the election results could lead Cameroon into serious political instability, calling for immediate national mediation from Biya to prevent further escalation.
