Cameroon's Opposition Leader Declares Victory Amid Vote Fraud Allegations

Fri Dec 05 2025 06:36:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the opposition leader in Cameroon, has claimed victory in the recent elections and vows to challenge any attempt to steal the vote. As tensions rise ahead of the official results announcement, he emphasizes his commitment to defending the democratic process.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, opposition leader in Cameroon, has declared himself the winner of the presidential elections held on October 12. He firmly rejects any allegations of electoral fraud and vows to protect the integrity of the voting process. With growing tensions surrounding the delayed official results, Bakary's statements highlight the escalating political turmoil in a country facing significant challenges from established leadership and civil unrest.

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 says his team has compiled the overall picture based on results from individual polling stations, so there is no doubt.

Tchiroma Bakary, 76, is a former government minister who broke ranks with President Paul Biya, 92, who is seeking another term after 43 years in power.

The ruling party has dismissed Tchiroma Bakary's victory claims and several officials have described it as illegal because only the Constitutional Council can proclaim official results.

Tchiroma Bakary urged his supporters to defend their votes, stating: We will never accept their votes being stolen by anyone. He expressed no fear of potential arrest, firmly asserting, I know that I have already won the presidential election.

He emphasized his determination by saying, There is no doubt, no shadow of doubt whatsoever. My victory is undeniable, during an interview with the BBC.

The opposition figure noted that the ruling CPDM party has their backs against the wall and are unwilling to accept the vote outcome, challenging them to prove discrepancies in his claims about the election process.

Facing potential unrest due to the delayed election results, tensions are escalating in a nation already grappling with separatist conflicts and insurgencies.