Cameroon’s opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary claimed victory on Tuesday over incumbent Paul Biya. Biya, 92, has ruled Cameroon for 43 years. Official results are expected in two weeks.
Tchiroma wrote on Facebook, “Our triumph is obvious. It ought to be honored.” He urged the administration to “accept the truth of the ballot box” or risk unrest. He promised to publish the regional results soon.
The government issued a warning, calling Tchiroma’s declaration a “red line.” Officials emphasized that only the Constitutional Council can announce final results.
This follows a pattern in Cameroon’s elections. After the 2018 presidential vote, opposition candidate Maurice Kamto declared himself the winner. Security forces detained him and dispersed his supporters with water cannons and tear gas.
Tchiroma, a former employment minister and Biya ally, resigned in June to run against him. His campaign drew unexpected support in a nation where most of the eight million voters have only known Biya’s leadership.
Biya sought an eighth term and faced eleven opponents. Despite criticism, he rejected calls to step down. Supporters from both sides flooded social media with tally sheets claiming victory.
Analysts describe this election as unusually competitive and tense. If Tchiroma’s claim holds, Biya’s four-decade rule may finally end.
