Issa Tchiroma declares victory in Cameroon’s 2025 election before official results, urging President Paul Biya to respect the will of the people as citizens await confirmation from ELECAM.
The 2025 Cameroon Election — A Historic Moment of Uncertainty
The 2025 general election in Cameroon has become one of the most closely watched and emotionally charged political events in decades. After more than 40 years of leadership under President Paul Biya, citizens entered the polls with a mix of anticipation, fatigue, and hope.
Voting took place peacefully across much of the country, though reports from observers highlighted isolated incidents of irregularities and logistical delays in certain regions.
Across major cities like Yaoundé, Douala, Garoua, and Bamenda, long queues formed outside polling stations, reflecting a renewed sense of civic engagement. Many voters described the day as “a turning point”—an opportunity to redefine the nation’s political future after years of calls for generational change and institutional reform.
Issa Tchiroma’s Declaration of Victory
Just hours after the polls closed, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, leader of the National Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ANDP), released a video statement that quickly went viral on social media.
Standing before the national flag, Tchiroma confidently announced:
“Our victory is clear, it must be respected. We call on the regime in power to show greatness and to honour the truth of the ballot box with a long-awaited gesture: that phone call of congratulations, which will demonstrate the political maturity of our nation and the future strength of our democracy.”
The tone was both assertive and conciliatory — a mix of triumph and appeal for unity. His message, posted on Facebook, resonated strongly among supporters who had been following live vote tallies reported by party agents across local voting centers.
The Call for Democratic Maturity and Respect for the Ballot Box
Tchiroma’s words, particularly his reference to a “gesture of political maturity,” struck a chord in a nation where peaceful political transitions remain rare. The statement was interpreted not just as a claim of victory, but as a call for transparency, dialogue, and adherence to democratic norms.
Analysts noted that by addressing President Biya directly, Tchiroma sought to frame the moment as an opportunity for Cameroon to prove its institutional resilience — to demonstrate that democracy can prevail through respect for the people’s voice, regardless of political affiliation.
ELECAM’s Role and the Pending Official Results
Despite growing anticipation, the Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) commission has yet to announce the final results. According to its mandate, results must undergo verification before being transmitted to the Constitutional Council, which validates and proclaims the official outcome.
ELECAM has indicated that all provisional tallies from local commissions must be consolidated by October 26, ensuring accuracy and compliance with electoral law.
Observers note that the period between voting day and official announcement is often the most volatile — a time when rumors, social media speculation, and political tension can escalate rapidly.
President Paul Biya’s Long Tenure and Legacy
President Paul Biya, now 92, has been at the helm of Cameroon since 1982, making him one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. His tenure has shaped every aspect of the nation’s political, economic, and social life.
Supporters credit him with maintaining relative stability in a region often beset by turmoil. Critics, however, argue that his prolonged rule has limited political competition and hindered generational change.
In the 2025 election, Biya once again stood as the candidate of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM). His campaign emphasized continuity, experience, and peace — pillars that have defined his leadership narrative for decades.
Public Reaction Across Cameroon
The immediate aftermath of the election has seen a wave of public discussion, both on the streets and online. In Yaoundé and Douala, residents have gathered around televisions and smartphones, anxiously awaiting ELECAM’s pronouncement.
Many Cameroonians describe a mix of pride in having voted peacefully and frustration over the delay in results. Civil society groups have urged both candidates to maintain calm and respect institutional processes.
International Observers and Calls for Transparency
International observers from the African Union, European Union, and Commonwealth have all called for transparency, urging ELECAM and the Constitutional Council to ensure a credible and peaceful outcome.
In preliminary reports, observer missions acknowledged improvements in voter registration and polling logistics, while recommending better safeguards for counting and results transmission.
Global partners view Cameroon’s election as pivotal not only for domestic stability but also for the security of the Central African region.
The Role of Social Media in Shaping the Narrative
Social media has played an unprecedented role in the 2025 election. Platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) became virtual town squares for political debate, information sharing, and mobilization.
Supporters of both major candidates have posted live updates, photographs from polling stations, and commentary — blurring the line between citizen reporting and political advocacy.
Economic Stakes in the Post-Election Period
Beyond politics, the election outcome carries enormous implications for Cameroon’s economy. Investors and development partners are watching closely, mindful that political stability directly affects business confidence, trade, and infrastructure growth.
Key sectors — agriculture, energy, and telecommunications — await policy direction from the incoming administration.
What Cameroonians Expect Moving Forward
As the nation waits for official results, the overwhelming message from citizens is clear: they want peace, transparency, and accountability.
Across interviews and public forums, Cameroonians have expressed hope for a new chapter defined by opportunity, justice, and unity.
FAQs About Cameroon’s 2025 Election
1. When will official results be announced?
ELECAM has stated results will be released by October 26, 2025, after validation by the Constitutional Council.
2. Who are the main contenders?
The primary contenders are President Paul Biya (CPDM) and Issa Tchiroma Bakary (ANDP).
3. Has Issa Tchiroma officially won?
Not yet. He has declared victory based on party data, but official confirmation must come from ELECAM and the Constitutional Council.
4. What has been the international response?
Observer missions have urged calm, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.
5. Are protests expected?
Civil society groups are advocating for peace and patience until official results are confirmed.
6. What’s next for Cameroon’s democracy?
The next phase will test the strength of institutions and citizens’ commitment to democratic governance.
Conclusion — A Defining Test for Cameroon’s Political Maturity
The 2025 Cameroon election stands as a defining moment for the country’s democratic evolution.
Issa Tchiroma’s declaration, ELECAM’s pending results, and the measured silence from the incumbent’s camp have created a delicate balance between optimism and uncertainty.
Whatever the outcome, the coming days will determine not only the leadership of the nation but also the credibility of its democratic process. For millions of Cameroonians, the hope remains simple yet profound: that their votes will count, their voices will be heard, and their future will unfold in peace.
External Source: Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) Official Website
