Cameroon’s political atmosphere is tense following opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s declaration of victory in the country’s October 12 presidential election, despite official results yet to be released.
Newsonspot reports that Tchiroma, 76, made the bold announcement late on Monday via a Facebook post and live address from his hometown of Garoua, calling on President Paul Biya to accept defeat and respect the will of the people.
“Our victory is clear. It must be respected,” he stated. “The people have chosen, and this choice must be honoured. Either the government accepts the truth of the ballot box or risks plunging the country into turmoil.”
The veteran politician, a former government spokesperson and employment minister, broke away from Biya’s camp earlier this year and went on to lead a strong opposition campaign backed by a coalition of civic groups and political parties.
His message also praised Cameroonians for their resilience during the election process.
“I thank the voters who defied intimidation and stayed at polling stations late into the night to protect their ballots,” he added, noting that some rival candidates had already congratulated him privately.
President Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for 43 years, is seeking an eighth term in office at the age of 92, making him the world’s oldest serving head of state. Analysts had earlier predicted that Biya’s control over state institutions and a divided opposition could work in his favour, despite growing public frustration over economic challenges and insecurity.
Meanwhile, the government has not yet issued an official response to Tchiroma’s declaration. However, Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji warned that any unilateral publication of results would amount to “high treason.”
According to Cameroon’s electoral law, provisional results can be posted at polling stations, but the final tallies must be validated by the Constitutional Council, which has until October 26 to announce the official outcome.
The coming days are expected to be critical as the nation awaits the formal declaration of results amidst rising political tension and uncertainty.
