Cameroon’s opposition candidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has declared himself winner of the country’s October 12 presidential election, urging long-time ruler Paul Biya to “accept defeat and honour the truth of the ballot box.”
Speaking from his hometown of Garoua in northern Cameroon late Monday, the 76-year-old politician announced what he called a “clear and indisputable victory,” in a video message shared on his Facebook page. “The people have chosen. And this choice must be respected,” he said.
Tchiroma, a former government spokesperson and employment minister, broke from Biya’s administration earlier this year to mount an opposition bid.
His campaign, backed by a coalition of civic groups and smaller parties, drew large crowds across the country.
“The regime must show greatness or face turmoil”
“I thank all candidates who have congratulated me and recognised the will of the people,” Tchiroma said, warning the government against attempts to manipulate the outcome.
“We have placed the regime before its responsibilities: either it shows greatness by accepting the truth of the ballot box, or it plunges the country into turmoil that will leave an indelible scar in the heart of our nation.”
President Paul Biya, 92, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, is seeking an eighth term in office — making him one of the world’s longest-serving and oldest heads of state.
Analysts had earlier predicted that Biya’s control over state institutions and a divided opposition would give him an advantage despite rising public frustration over economic stagnation and insecurity in the Anglophone regions.
Tchiroma praised voters for defying intimidation and staying late at polling units to safeguard their ballots, describing their courage as “the rebirth of our nation’s dignity.”
Government warns of ‘high treason’
The government has not yet reacted officially to Tchiroma’s declaration. However, Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, cautioned days before the vote that any unilateral publication of election results would amount to “high treason.”
Under Cameroon’s electoral law, provisional results may be posted at polling stations, but only the Constitutional Council has the legal power to announce the winner. The council has until October 26 to declare the official result.
Tchiroma said he would soon release a region-by-region tally based on results displayed publicly, describing the outcome as “a collective victory of the people.” He also appealed to the military and civil service to remain loyal to the nation rather than the ruling regime.
“This victory is not that of one man, nor of one party. It is the victory of a people,” he said.
Over 8 million Cameroonians were registered to vote in the October 12 poll, which could mark a turning point in a country long dominated by a single political dynasty.
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