Cameroon's Issa Tchiroma Bakary claims presidential election victory

"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."

"Cameroon's government has not responded officially to Tchiroma's declaration. However, Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji warned recently that only the Constitutional Council has the authority to announce the winner, and that any unilateral publication of results would be considered high treason. Cameroon's electoral law allows results to be published and posted at individual polling stations, but final tallies must be validated by the Constitutional Council, which has until October 26 to announce the outcome, the Reuters news agency reported."

Issa Tchiroma Bakary unilaterally declared victory in Cameroon's presidential election in a nearly five-minute speech posted to social media and urged 92-year-old President Paul Biya to call and concede. Tchiroma said 'The people have chosen, and this choice must be respected.' The government reiterated that only the Constitutional Council can officially announce results and the body has until October 26 to make the announcement. Tchiroma is a former government spokesman and longtime ally of Biya who resigned in June; his campaign drew large crowds and coalition endorsements. Minister Paul Atanga Nji warned that unilateral publication of results could be considered high treason. Electoral law allows posting results at polling stations but final tallies require Council validation.

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