Cameroon’s opposition presidential candidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has rejected early trends suggesting incumbent President Paul Biya is leading in the October 12 presidential election.
Tchiroma, who leads the National Salvation Front (FSNC) and is backed by the Union for Change coalition, claims victory and has announced plans to publish “original” polling station reports to prove his win.
According to Tchiroma, his campaign team will release electoral trends based on official polling station reports signed at polling sites and transmitted by scrutineers.
“To ensure transparency and prevent manipulation, our campaign team will, in the coming hours, release electoral trends based on the official polling station reports,” Tchiroma said.
He emphasized the credibility of his methodology, stating that every figure published will be accompanied by documented proof to prevent disputes.
Tchiroma’s camp disputes preliminary trends suggesting Biya is ahead, citing data from 18 strategic departments representing nearly 80% of the national electorate. These departments include Wouri, Mfoundi, Bénoué, and others.
The opposition leader has called on the international community and Cameroonians to monitor the trends closely, saying, “They represent the people’s voice and must neither be stolen nor manipulated. Together, we shall defend the truth of the ballot box!”
The announcement has heightened tensions in the country, with supporters of Tchiroma forming civilian-led security units to protect him.
Violent protests have been reported in cities like Dschang and Garoua, prompting the National Council of Traditional Chiefs of Cameroon to urge restraint. The Constitutional Council is expected to announce the final results in one week.
