Cameroon Opposition Leader Claims Presidential Victory, Alleges Widespread Fraud

Opposition Leader Declares Victory

Cameroon's opposition figure, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has declared himself the winner of the presidential election held on October 12, 2025. Bakary, who leads the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC) and is backed by the Union for Change coalition, made his declaration on October 14, just two days after the polls closed. He rejected any official results that would contradict his claims, asserting that the election was 'stolen'.

Allegations of Electoral Irregularities

Bakary's claim of victory is based on his campaign's collation of results from polling stations across the country. He stated that his team's figures indicate he secured approximately 55% of the vote from 80% of the electorate. The opposition leader has alleged widespread irregularities, including

• ballot stuffing
• falsified minutes
• mathematical inconsistencies

which he claims render the electoral administration's figures unreliable. He has called on incumbent President Paul Biya to concede, warning that a failure to do so could 'plunge the country into turmoil'. Bakary, a 76-year-old former government minister, also reportedly refused an offer of the Prime Minister position from Biya's camp.

Official Results and Government Response

The official results of the election are legally mandated to be announced by the Constitutional Council, with a deadline set for October 26 or October 27, 2025. Provisional results released by the National Vote Counting Commission around October 20-21 indicated that President Paul Biya, 92, was leading with approximately 53% of the vote, while Issa Tchiroma Bakary garnered around 35%. Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), has dismissed Bakary's claims as a 'grotesque hoax' and 'unacceptable fraud', reiterating that only the Constitutional Council has the authority to declare a winner. On October 22, the Constitutional Council dismissed ten petitions contesting the election results, citing insufficient evidence and lack of jurisdiction.

Escalating Tensions and Public Unrest

Bakary's declaration and the subsequent provisional results have fueled significant political tension and led to protests in several Cameroonian cities, including Garoua, Douala, and Bafoussam. During these demonstrations, a teacher identified as Zairatou Hassana was tragically killed in Garoua on October 21 or 22, reportedly shot by a police officer. Authorities have responded to the unrest with arrests; at least 20 protesters have been detained nationwide. Additionally, two prominent opposition leaders, Anicet Ekane and Djeukam Tchameni, were arrested in Douala on October 25. The Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, had previously warned that any unauthorized release of election results would be considered 'high treason'. The election itself took place amidst a backdrop of political stagnation, a cost of living crisis, and social unrest, with President Biya seeking an eighth term after 43 years in power, making him the world's oldest head of state.