Cameroonian politician Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared that only an extraordinary event could lead Elecam, the electoral body, to announce the defeat of an incumbent president.
Introduction
Cameroon’s political landscape is no stranger to bold statements and heated debates. Recently, veteran politician Issa Tchiroma Bakary made headlines when he declared that it would take an “extraordinary event” for Elecam, the country’s electoral commission, to announce the defeat of an incumbent president. His remarks have once again sparked discussion about the fairness, independence, and credibility of the electoral system in Cameroon.
Who Is Issa Tchiroma Bakary?
Issa Tchiroma Bakary has been a central figure in Cameroonian politics for decades. A former minister and government spokesperson, he is well-known for his loyalty to the ruling establishment as well as his provocative and unfiltered remarks. His political career has placed him at the intersection of government defense and public criticism, making him both a controversial and influential voice.
The Statement
Speaking on the upcoming political future of Cameroon, Tchiroma suggested that the odds are overwhelmingly stacked in favor of incumbents. According to him:
“It would take an extraordinary event for Elecam to announce to the outgoing president that he has lost.”
This statement reflects a widespread belief among opposition leaders and civil society activists that elections in Cameroon are heavily tilted toward those already in power.
Elecam and Its Role
The Elections Cameroon (Elecam) body is officially mandated to organize, oversee, and declare election results in the country. However, critics have long questioned its independence, arguing that it operates under heavy influence from the ruling party.
Tchiroma’s remark implicitly acknowledges these criticisms, even though he has often defended the government and its institutions. By suggesting that only an “extraordinary event” could overturn an incumbent, he indirectly raises concerns about the transparency of the electoral process.
Reactions to His Comment
Unsurprisingly, the statement provoked strong reactions across the political spectrum:
- Opposition voices: Many saw Tchiroma’s comment as proof that the electoral system is biased and that change through the ballot box remains unlikely under current conditions.
- Supporters of the ruling party: Some argued that his words were being misinterpreted, insisting that Elecam remains a legitimate body capable of conducting free and fair elections.
- Political analysts: Observers suggested that Tchiroma’s remarks reveal a deep-seated public skepticism toward electoral institutions, which could impact voter turnout and trust in democracy.
The Bigger Picture
Tchiroma’s statement touches on one of the most sensitive issues in Cameroon: the question of political succession and democratic credibility. With President Paul Biya in power for more than four decades, speculation about the country’s future leadership continues to dominate discussions.
His words also highlight the tension between official narratives of stability and opposition claims of systemic unfairness. Whether interpreted as a slip of truth or a blunt assessment of political realities, Tchiroma’s comment underscores the challenges facing democracy in Cameroon.
Conclusion
Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s claim that it would take an “extraordinary event” for Elecam to announce the defeat of an incumbent president has reignited debate over the independence of Cameroon’s electoral body. For some, his words confirm long-held suspicions about a biased system; for others, they are simply a reflection of the political realities of incumbency.
What remains clear is that Cameroon’s democratic journey continues to be marked by skepticism, controversy, and the search for genuine transparency in elections.