Biya’s rival Tchiroma rejects election result, calls vote a masquerade

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Cameroon presidential contender, has rejected the re-election of Paul Biya, describing the vote as a “masquerade” that denied the will of the people.

The Constitutional Council on Monday confirmed Biya, 92, as the winner with 53.7 percent of the vote. The outcome secures yet another term for the continent’s oldest serving leader, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982. His closest challenger, Tchiroma, was officially credited with 35.2 percent.

Read also: Worlds oldest president Biya to stay in power till 2032 after eighth term victory

Speaking to AFP shortly after the results were announced, Tchiroma insisted the opposition had won “unequivocally” and accused the authorities of stealing the election. He called for peaceful demonstrations following the October 12 vote, urging citizens to defend what he said was a mandate for change.

“There was no election; it was rather a masquerade. We won unequivocally,” Tchiroma told AFP on Monday

Tensions rose at a rally outside his home in Garoua, the main city in the north. Tchiroma said two protesters were killed there as security forces moved in. An AFP journalist witnessed one person being shot, although the reporter could not confirm if the individual later died.

Read also: Cameroon’s top court paves way for stay-put Biya to remain in power

The challenge from Tchiroma carries particular weight due to his long history inside the ruling establishment. Now 76, he previously served in Biya’s government for more than a decade, including as the spokesperson during the military campaign against the Boko Haram insurgency. Once viewed as a member of Biya’s trusted circle, he turned against the old guard and campaigned on a message of political renewal.

Biya’s latest victory extends his uninterrupted four decade rule over the central African nation of  about 32 million people. Successive elections have drawn criticism from opposition parties, which accuse the authorities of rigging ballots and silencing dissent.

Read also: Cameroon security forces disperse election protests as Biya poised for eighth term – Reuters

Tchiroma has vowed to continue challenging the results, saying the fight is not only about votes but also about the future of Cameroon’s democracy. The government has not yet responded to his allegations.