Cameroon’s opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has proclaimed himself the winner of Sunday’s presidential election, urging President Paul Biya, who has ruled the country for more than four decades, to accept defeat and concede.
Tchiroma made the announcement early Tuesday in a video message shared on social media, saying that “the people have chosen, and their choice must be respected.” His statement comes before the country’s Constitutional Council — the only body authorized to release official results — has completed its tally.
Government officials have previously warned that any premature declaration of victory could be considered a violation of electoral law. According to Cameroon’s Electoral Code, the Constitutional Council has 15 days from election day to publish the official outcome.
Tchiroma, a former government spokesperson and longtime ally of Biya, resigned from the administration earlier this year to run for president. His campaign gained significant traction, drawing large rallies in northern regions and securing endorsements from several opposition parties and civic groups.
Observers noted that the election took place largely peacefully, though tensions remained high in the Anglophone regions, where separatist groups had threatened to disrupt the polls.
In his address, filmed in his hometown of Garoua, Tchiroma called on Biya to “honour the truth of the ballot box” and said his victory marks “the beginning of a new chapter for Cameroon.”
He also urged the military and state institutions to uphold “the will of the people” and to ensure a peaceful transition of power.
President Biya, 92, who has governed Cameroon since 1982, was seeking an eighth consecutive term in office. His party has not yet issued a response to Tchiroma’s declaration.
The Constitutional Council is expected to announce the official results by October 26.