In brief
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Cameroon's opposition leader, has proclaimed himself the victor of the October elections while stating he will not tolerate any manipulation of the voting process. As the ruling party disputes his claims, Bakary insists that he and his supporters are prepared to defend their votes, highlighting the potential for unrest amid an already tense political environment.
Cameroon's opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who has declared himself the winner of the 12 October elections, has told the BBC that he will not accept a stolen vote, with the results due to be announced on Monday. He asserts that his team has compiled evidence from individual polling stations, leaving no doubt about their claims.Tchiroma Bakary, a former government minister, broke away from President Paul Biya, the incumbent seeking another term after 43 years in power. The ruling party has dismissed Bakary's victory claims as illegal, arguing that only the Constitutional Council can announce official results.He urged his supporters to stand firm against any attempts to undermine their vote, stating, 'We will never accept their votes being stolen by anyone.' Despite the risk of arrest, he remains confident about his presidential election victory, declaring, 'There is no doubt, no shadow of doubt whatsoever. My victory is undeniable.'Bakary accused the ruling CPDM party of being unable to face the electoral reality and challenged them to prove his claims wrong. He defended his announcement of victory, indicating that it is not contrary to the law.When asked about accepting defeat, he stated he would comply only if the Constitutional Council validates the results from legitimate ballot counts instead of fraudulent practices. Concerns about unrest are escalating as official election results have been delayed, particularly in a nation grappling with separatist conflicts and Boko Haram violence. Amid rising tensions, the influential Catholic Church in Cameroon has called for calm, hoping for transparent results that reflect the electorate's will.
