Samuel Omang
Cameroon’s opposition candidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, on Tuesday claimed victory in Sunday’s presidential election, challenging incumbent President Paul Biya, who has ruled the Central African nation for 43 years.
In a Facebook post, Tchiroma declared, “Our victory is clear. It must be respected,” urging the government to “accept the truth of the ballot box” or risk plunging the country into crisis. He also promised to publish detailed regional results soon, insisting that “the people have chosen.”
While candidates are permitted to release tally sheets, final results can only be officially declared by the Constitutional Council — a boundary government officials have warned must not be crossed.
The tense declaration echoes the aftermath of the 2018 presidential election, when opposition candidate Maurice Kamto similarly proclaimed victory before the official results were announced. Kamto was later arrested, and security forces dispersed his supporters with tear gas and water cannons.
At 92, Biya remains the world’s oldest serving head of state and is seeking yet another term in office. However, Tchiroma, a former employment minister, has drawn unexpected enthusiasm across the country, turning the vote into a fierce duel with both camps claiming victory.
Images of handwritten tally sheets and chalkboard results circulating on social media have further fuelled competing claims from Biya’s and Tchiroma’s supporters.
Official results are expected within two weeks.