Opposition victory in Cameroon election?

The 79-year-old announced on Tuesday: “Our victory is clear. It must be respected.” The former labor minister was challenging long-time President Paul Biya, who was running again at the age of 92 and after 43 years in power. Polls showed Biya, the world’s oldest sitting head of state, had a good chance of continuing his rule that began in 1982.

However, Tchiroma sparked surprising enthusiasm among voters and there were fears that there could be electoral fraud. In Cameroon it is forbidden to announce the final result of the election before the official declaration thereof by the Constitutional Council. The government must recognize the “truth of the ballot box,” otherwise it would “put the country in turmoil,” said Tchiroma.

He announced the publication of results from the regions. The official results of Sunday’s presidential election are not expected for two weeks.

Is Tchiroma now threatened with arrest?

In 2018, opposition candidate Maurice Kamto declared himself the winner the day after the election. He was then arrested, rallies by his supporters were broken up with tear gas and water cannons, and dozens of demonstrators were arrested. The opposition leader was not accepted as a candidate in this year’s election.

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