In a dramatic turn of events, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former Cameroonian minister turned opposition leader, declared victory in the recent presidential election, challenging the 43-year reign of incumbent President Paul Biya. The official results, however, are not expected for another two weeks. Biya, 92, the world’s oldest serving head of state, is seeking an unprecedented eighth term in office. Tchiroma, 79, who served as employment minister until June, has unexpectedly galvanized voters, sparking widespread enthusiasm across the central African nation. Both sides are asserting victory based on unofficial tallies circulating on social media, with Tchiroma urging the government to ‘accept the truth of the ballot box’ or risk plunging the country into chaos. He promised to release detailed regional results, despite legal restrictions prohibiting the announcement of overall outcomes before the Constitutional Council’s official declaration. Territorial Administration Minister Paul Atanga Nji emphasized that premature announcements are a ‘red line that must not be crossed.’ The delay in releasing official results has raised concerns about potential electoral fraud, given Biya’s history of securing landslide victories with over 70% of the vote in past elections. The 2018 election saw opposition leader Maurice Kamto arrested after declaring himself the winner, with his supporters facing violent crackdowns. The current political climate remains tense as Cameroon awaits the final verdict.