Cameroon’s Election Winner Issa Tchiroma, Calls On Biya To Accept Defeat

Opposition figure Issa Tchiroma on Monday night proclaimed himself winner of Cameroon’s October 12 presidential election, urging incumbent President Paul Biya to concede and “honour the truth of the ballot box.”

“Our victory is clear. It must be respected,” Tchiroma said in an address streamed live on his Facebook page from Garoua, his hometown in northern Cameroon. “The people have chosen. And this choice must be respected.”

At 76, Tchiroma — once a government spokesperson and minister of employment — distanced himself from Biya earlier this year and launched an independent campaign that attracted massive rallies and backing from several opposition alliances and civil society groups.

Biya, aged 92, who has ruled Cameroon for over four decades, is bidding for an eighth term in office. Despite his dominance over state institutions and a divided opposition, his continued hold on power has been increasingly questioned amid widespread frustration over economic hardship and persistent insecurity.

Tchiroma commended citizens for what he described as their courage to stand firm at polling centres despite threats and delays.
“I also thank candidates who have already sent me their congratulations and recognised the will of the people,” Tchiroma said.
“We have placed the regime before its responsibilities: either it shows greatness by accepting the truth of the ballot box, or it chooses to plunge the country into turmoil that will leave an indelible scar in the heart of our nation,” he warned.

The authorities have yet to issue any official statement in response to Tchiroma’s announcement.
Meanwhile, Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji cautioned days earlier that the independent release of results would amount to “high treason,” stressing that only the Constitutional Council is empowered to declare the final outcome.

Cameroon’s electoral regulations allow preliminary results to be posted at polling units, but the ultimate figures must receive validation from the Constitutional Council, which has until October 26 to make the official declaration.

Tchiroma revealed plans to soon publish a detailed breakdown of votes gathered from results displayed at polling centres across the country.
“This victory is not that of one man, nor of one party. It is the victory of a people,” he said.
He also appealed to the military, security operatives, and state officials to remain committed to the “republic, not the regime.”

Cameroon operates a single-round presidential system in which the candidate with the highest number of votes emerges victorious. Over 8 million citizens were registered to participate in the recent election.