In brief
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the 76-year-old opposition leader, has publicly claimed victory in the October 12 presidential elections in Cameroon, firmly stating that he will not accept any 'stolen vote.' While the ruling party has dismissed his claims, Bakary's insistence is backed by his own team's compilation of results from polling stations. As the official results await release, concerns of potential unrest have emerged, prompting appeals for calm from the influential Catholic Church in Cameroon.
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 said he had urged his supporters to defend their votes, adding: We will never accept their votes being stolen by anyone.
He stated, I know that I have already won the presidential election and emphasized the certainty of his claim, saying, My victory is undeniable.
He accused the ruling CPDM party of being unable to accept the reality of the vote, challenging them to refute his assertions.
Regarding the possibility of accepting defeat, he noted he would comply if the Constitutional Council validates results directly from the ballot box, not those marred by alleged manipulations.
Tensions over delayed results have increased, raising fears of post-electoral violence in a nation already embroiled in conflict due to separatist issues and Boko Haram insurgency.
The Catholic Church in Cameroon has called for peace, expressing hope that the official results will reflect the true will of the citizens, free from interference.
