Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon with an iron fist since 1982, won a landslide victory Monday in a controversial presidential election as the government tightened security and gunfire erupted in the country’s volatile English-speaking regions.

The Constitutional Council, dominated by Biya loyalists, said Monday the 85-year-old leader had won 71.3 percent of votes in the October 7 poll marred by allegations of widespread fraud, low voter turnout, and violence.

Council head Clement Atangana said opposition challenger Maurice Kamto, was a far second with 14.2 percent of the vote.

Movement for the Rebirth of Cameroon (MRC) candidate Kamto swiftly rejected the results, questioning the credibility and impartiality of the council.