Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the opposition leader and declared winner of the October elections in Cameroon, has voiced his refusal to accept any vote perceived as stolen. With official results pending, Tchiroma Bakary's confident assertion has sparked significant political tension in a nation grappling with a long-standing rule by President Paul Biya, who is seeking another term after over four decades in power.
As he grounds his claims in data gathered from individual polling stations, Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he secured approximately 55% of the vote, consolidating his position as a formidable challenger. In an interview from his residence in Garoua, the 76-year-old emphasized that he will not bow to any unlawful electoral outcomes.
Having transitioned from government minister to a key rival for the presidency, Tchiroma Bakary's journey has been marked by notable political shifts. Once a staunch defender of Biya's administration, he distanced himself from the ruling party earlier this year, positioning himself as a champion for change amid rampant economic and social challenges in Cameroon.
His bold declarations underscore a national atmosphere fraught with uncertainty, especially as the ruling party dismissed his victory claims, urging adherence to constitutional protocols regarding election results. The ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) has labelled Tchiroma Bakary's assertion of victory as illegal, pointing to the Constitutional Council as the authoritative body for official declarations.
With past experiences of jail time during Biya's early presidency, Tchiroma Bakary's defiance comes with a palpable weight of history, as he draws support from voters yearning for a break from stagnation and despair. As tensions mount in anticipation of the official results, Tchiroma Bakary appeals for calm, imploring both his supporters and opponents to respect the electoral process.
Reflecting on his role as the former communications minister, Tchiroma Bakary recognizes past failures but insists that he is now free to represent the hopes of the electorate. His journey from government spokesperson to contender signifies not only a personal transformation but also a broader struggle for democracy in Cameroon.
