Cameroon's opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who has declared himself the winner of the October 12 elections, has told the BBC that he will not accept a stolen vote, with results still pending until Monday.
Bakary claims to have established a comprehensive picture from polling stations, dismissing challenges to his declaration. At 76 years old, Bakary, a former minister, broke away from President Paul Biya, the incumbent, who is vying for another term after 43 years in power.
The ruling party has unequivocally rejected Bakary's assertions, labeling his victory claims as illegal, arguing only the Constitutional Council has the authority to announce official results.
Bakary urged his supporters to stay vigilant in defending their votes, stating, We will never accept their votes being stolen by anyone. He expressed no fear of arrest, insisting, I know that I have already won the presidential election.
His confidence in victory was clear as he added, There is no doubt, no shadow of doubt whatsoever. My victory is undeniable. He described the CPDM party as being in a position where they could not accept the election's outcome and challenged them to refute his claims.
As the announcement of election results grows delayed, concerns about potential post-electoral violence are looming, especially amidst ongoing conflicts in the Anglophone regions and insurgencies in the northern regions of Cameroon.
