Cameroon’s Opposition Candidate Tchiroma Declares Victory, Urges Biya To Accept “Truth Of The Ballot Box”

Cameroon’s political atmosphere has turned tense as opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary on Tuesday declared himself winner of the country’s presidential election, challenging the 43-year rule of President Paul Biya, Africa’s oldest serving head of state.

Tchiroma, who served under Biya for two decades before joining the opposition, made the announcement on his official Facebook page, saying:

> “Our victory is clear. It must be respected. The government must accept the truth of the ballot box or plunge the country into turmoil.”

He added that his campaign would soon publish detailed results by region to prove his victory in the weekend polls.

Official results are not expected for another two weeks, as the Constitutional Council remains the only body authorized to announce the final outcome — a “red line that must not be crossed,” according to government officials.

Political Tension Builds As Both Camps Claim Victory

The declaration has heightened tension across the country, with supporters of both Biya and Tchiroma circulating alleged tally sheets and local result boards on social media, each claiming early wins.

The development has revived memories of the 2018 election, when opposition leader Maurice Kamto declared himself winner before official results were released. Kamto was later arrested, and security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse his supporters.

President Paul Biya, who first assumed office in 1982, is seeking an eighth term in office. Now aged 91, he has ruled the Central African nation through periods of political crisis, economic inequality, and separatist violence.

Analysts say this year’s contest appears more competitive than previous ones, as Tchiroma’s campaign attracted widespread enthusiasm from young voters and those frustrated by years of political stagnation.

Cameroonian political analyst Stephane Akoa told AFP that while the ruling system “has ample means at its disposal to shape outcomes in its favour,” the final weeks of the campaign were “much livelier than usual,” suggesting “the possibility of surprises.”

Tchiroma, a former Employment Minister, resigned from Biya’s government in June to lead an opposition coalition. His defection, combined with the disqualification of key challenger Maurice Kamto, positioned him as Biya’s main rival.

Cameroon Awaits Official Results Amid Uncertainty

With over eight million registered voters, many Cameroonians have only known one ruler in their lifetime. As the nation awaits the official declaration from the Constitutional Council, fears of post-election unrest are growing.

International observers have called for calm, urging all parties to respect the electoral process and refrain from inflammatory statements.

For now, the country remains on edge — watching closely to see whether Biya’s long rule will continue or if Tchiroma’s bold claim marks the beginning of a new political era in Cameroon.