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.
In an interview at his home, in the northern city of Garoua, Tchiroma Bakary said he had urged his supporters to defend their votes. We will never accept their votes being stolen by anyone, he said, dressed in a long, flowing white and gold tunic.
The former minister said he was not concerned about being arrested or put in jail, but I know that I have already won the presidential election. There is no doubt, no shadow of doubt whatsoever. My victory is undeniable, he said, appearing placid and resolute throughout the conversation.
Tchiroma Bakary defended his decision to declare himself the winner, insisting that the law does not prevent us from so doing. He has previously said he won the election with about 55% of the vote, based on returns representing 80% of the electorate.
The political environment is tense with fears of potential violence as the announcement of the official results looms, amidst protests and calls for calm from the influential Catholic Church in Cameroon, urging that the official results reflect the people's will.
Born in Garoua, Tchiroma Bakary trained as an engineer in France and had a significant political career after being imprisoned in 1984 for an alleged coup attempt against Biya. After his release, he entered politics, serving multiple roles, including Minister of Communications.
Recent history has seen Cameroon struggling with economic stagnation, inflation, and insecurity. Bakary's supporters see him as a beacon of change, while he himself continues to assert his right to lead the nation — a sentiment that is echoed by many tired of Biya's long rule.
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.
In an interview at his home, in the northern city of Garoua, Tchiroma Bakary said he had urged his supporters to defend their votes. We will never accept their votes being stolen by anyone, he said, dressed in a long, flowing white and gold tunic.
The former minister said he was not concerned about being arrested or put in jail, but I know that I have already won the presidential election. There is no doubt, no shadow of doubt whatsoever. My victory is undeniable, he said, appearing placid and resolute throughout the conversation.
Tchiroma Bakary defended his decision to declare himself the winner, insisting that the law does not prevent us from so doing. He has previously said he won the election with about 55% of the vote, based on returns representing 80% of the electorate.
The political environment is tense with fears of potential violence as the announcement of the official results looms, amidst protests and calls for calm from the influential Catholic Church in Cameroon, urging that the official results reflect the people's will.
Born in Garoua, Tchiroma Bakary trained as an engineer in France and had a significant political career after being imprisoned in 1984 for an alleged coup attempt against Biya. After his release, he entered politics, serving multiple roles, including Minister of Communications.
Recent history has seen Cameroon struggling with economic stagnation, inflation, and insecurity. Bakary's supporters see him as a beacon of change, while he himself continues to assert his right to lead the nation — a sentiment that is echoed by many tired of Biya's long rule.
