Summary
Cameroon opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary claimed victory in the presidential election before official results were announced. Tchiroma asked current President Paul Biya to concede, but the government stated only the Constitutional Council can declare election results. The Council has until October 26 to announce the official winner.
Key Facts
- Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared victory in Cameroon's presidential election on social media.
- President Paul Biya, 92, has been in power for 43 years and ran for an eighth term.
- The government emphasized that only the Constitutional Council can officially announce the election results.
- The Council has almost two weeks to release the official election outcome.
- Tchiroma was previously a government spokesman and supported Biya for 20 years before resigning to run against him.
- Minister Paul Atanga Nji warned that declaring results without the Council's announcement is considered "high treason."
- Cameroon’s electoral law allows polling station results to be published, but only the Constitutional Council can finalize them.
- Tchiroma called for institutions and the military to recognize his victory and support the people's choice.
