Judges in Cameroon have rejected appeals for the cancellation of the controversial presidential election held on 12 October, stating that the official results will be announced on Monday. There have been significant protests in major cities, with supporters of the opposition alleging irregularities such as ballot-stuffing during the election.
The Constitutional Council dismissed eight petitions regarding the election, citing insufficient evidence or a lack of jurisdiction to nullify the results. Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary has proclaimed himself the winner, a declaration that has been disputed by supporters of the 92-year-old incumbent, President Paul Biya, who is pursuing another seven-year term. Biya has been in power for 43 years but addressed only one campaign rally prior to the election.
Tchiroma Bakary, a former government spokesman, chose not to file formal complaints with the Constitutional Council, which includes judges appointed by Biya. Instead, he asserted himself as the “legal and legitimate president,” claiming to have won approximately 55% of the vote based on returns he says represent 80% of the electorate. In a recent video statement, he expressed concern that if the Constitutional Council announces what he considers falsified results, the council may be seen as complicit in a breach of trust. He also cautioned that if citizens feel cornered, they might take drastic measures to secure their rights.
The ruling party has dismissed Tchiroma Bakary’s victory claims, reminding that only the Constitutional Council has the authority to announce official results. Additionally, the influential Catholic Church has called on the judges to ensure their verdict aligns with the genuine will of the voters. The situation remains tense, compounded by existing conflicts in the Anglophone regions and the Far North region.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1d041g5nwgo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss