Tchiroma Declares Victory over Biya as Cameroon Awaits Official Results

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BREAKING: October 14, 2025

Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has publicly claimed victory in the country’s October 12 presidential election, despite no official results yet being announced by the electoral authorities. Le Monde.fr+4Reuters+4AP News+4

In a five-minute video posted to social media early Tuesday, Tchiroma claimed he had won the vote and called on long-serving President Paul Biya, 92, to concede defeat. 

“The people have chosen, and this choice must be respected,” Tchiroma said.

While Tchiroma’s camp is asserting confidence, Cameroon's Electoral Commission (Elections Cameroon / ELECAM) and the Constitutional Council have not released vote tallies, leaving the final outcome in limbo. Arab News+3Reuters+3AP News+3

Under Cameroonian law, only the Constitutional Council is legally empowered to certify and publish the official result — a process expected to conclude by October 26. Le Monde.fr+3AP News+3Reuters+3



The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) immediately pushed back on Tchiroma’s claims, stating that he lacks access to full polling station data and that his assertion is premature. AP News+2Reuters+2

Moreover, Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji warned that unauthorized announcement of results could be considered “high treason”, reinforcing that only the Constitutional Council can validate election outcomes. Le Monde.fr+3Reuters+3AP News+3


Tchiroma’s Political Pivot & Campaign Dynamics

Once a government insider and former minister, Tchiroma broke away from Biya’s administration earlier this year. Sahara Reporters+4Reuters+4Reuters+4

His campaign drew strength from a coalition of opposition groups and civil society movements, capitalizing on public fatigue with Biya’s decades-long rule. 

Tchiroma has pledged to publish regional vote breakdowns based on tally sheets posted at polling stations — an attempt to validate his claim transparently. Le Monde.fr+3Reuters+3AP News+3

    What Could Happen Next

  • Constitutional Council Hearing & Validation: The Council must vet and confirm results before declaring a winner.

  • Legal Challenges & Disputes: Either side may lodge appeals or objections, especially amid allegations of irregularities.

  • Public Response & Possible Unrest: Tensions could escalate if the public perceives the process as unfair or opaque.

  • International Reactions & Observers: External governments and observer missions may weigh in, influencing legitimacy perceptions.


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