Cameroon opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has unilaterally declared victory in the country’s presidential election
Tchiroma made the statement in a nearly five-minute speech posted to social media on Tuesday.
Although official channels have not declared results, he urged long-term incumbent, 92-year-old President Paul Biya, to call him to concede.
“The people have chosen, and this choice must be respected,” Tchiroma demanded in the video.
However, the government warned earlier this week that only results announced by the Constitutional Council can be considered official. The body has almost two weeks to make the announcement.
A former government spokesman and ally of Biya for 20 years, Tchiroma was considered the top contender to unseat Biya in Sunday’s elections.
After he resigned from the government in June, his campaign drew large crowds and key endorsements from a coalition of opposition parties and civic groups.
But Biya – in power for 43 years and the world’s oldest serving head of state – has been widely expected to secure another seven-year term in office, given his tight grip on state machinery and the fragmented nature of the opposition.
Cameroon’s government has not responded officially to Tchiroma’s declaration.
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Congrats
SMH