Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the opposition challenger in Cameroon, asserted his victory in the presidential election on Tuesday, maintaining that he had defeated President Paul Biya, who has been in power for 43 years, although official results are not anticipated until two weeks after Sunday’s vote.
Tchiroma declared on Facebook, “Our triumph is unmistakable and deserves recognition,” while calling on the government to “acknowledge the truth of the ballot box” or “jeopardize plunging the nation into turmoil,” and vowing to publish detailed results by region.
He pointed out that the people have made their choice.
While the tally sheets are allowed to be published, the final results must be formally announced by the country’s Constitutional Council — a “red line that must not be crossed”, according to the government’s statement.
The day after the vote, Maurice Kamto, the opposition challenger, announced himself as the winner of the 2018 presidential election.
Following his arrest, his supporters’ rallies were dispersed with tear gas and water cannons, and dozens were taken into custody.
Biya, the world’s oldest head of state currently in office, is trying to extend his decades-long hold on power.
Former employment minister Tchiroma generated unexpected enthusiasm among voters in the central African nation, leading to a duel as both sides’ supporters claimed victory.
Images of sheets and blackboards tallying the results have circulated on social media, fuelling the victory claims among both Biya and Tchiroma’s camps.
About the Author
