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.
Tchiroma Bakary said he had urged his supporters to defend their votes, adding: 'We will never accept their votes being stolen by anyone.' He stated that he was not concerned about being arrested or jailed, asserting, '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 told the BBC in an interview.
Tchiroma Bakary claimed that the ruling CPDM party had 'their backs against the wall' and could not accept the results, challenging them to prove him wrong. He defended his declaration of victory, insisting that the law 'does not prevent us from so doing'. Tensions surrounding the delayed announcement of the election results are escalating, sparking fears of post-electoral violence in a country already troubled by a separatist conflict and Boko Haram insurgency.
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.
Tchiroma Bakary said he had urged his supporters to defend their votes, adding: 'We will never accept their votes being stolen by anyone.' He stated that he was not concerned about being arrested or jailed, asserting, '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 told the BBC in an interview.
Tchiroma Bakary claimed that the ruling CPDM party had 'their backs against the wall' and could not accept the results, challenging them to prove him wrong. He defended his declaration of victory, insisting that the law 'does not prevent us from so doing'. Tensions surrounding the delayed announcement of the election results are escalating, sparking fears of post-electoral violence in a country already troubled by a separatist conflict and Boko Haram insurgency.
