Cameroon’s opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has declared himself the winner of the 12 October presidential election, saying he will not accept what he describes as a “stolen vote” ahead of the official results, expected on Monday.
Tchiroma Bakary, 76, a former government minister who broke away from long-time President Paul Biya, 92, claims his team has compiled a comprehensive tally from individual polling stations, leaving no doubt about his victory.
“There is no shadow of doubt whatsoever. My victory is undeniable,” he told the BBC.
The ruling party has dismissed his claims, with several officials describing them as illegal, emphasizing that only the Constitutional Council can officially proclaim election results. Tchiroma Bakary, however, insisted he acted within the law and defended his decision to announce his win, urging supporters to safeguard their votes. “We will never accept their votes being stolen by anyone,” he said.
Despite the tense political climate, Tchiroma Bakary said he was unconcerned about potential arrest or imprisonment, adding, “I know that I have already won the presidential election.”
He challenged the ruling CPDM party to dispute his account with evidence, asserting that the results he compiled reflect the true outcome of the vote.
Tchiroma Bakary said he would only accept defeat if the Constitutional Council releases results that genuinely come from the ballot box, not through manipulation.
His statements come amid fears of post-election unrest in a country already grappling with separatist conflict in the Anglophone regions and Boko Haram attacks in the Far North.
The Catholic Church in Cameroon, a widely respected authority, has called for calm, emphasizing that the official outcome should reflect the electorate’s will and urging all parties to respect the democratic process.
