With just 19 days left before Cameroon’s 2025 presidential election, political tensions are mounting as veteran politician Issa Tchiroma Bakary issued a strong warning against what he described as a looming “constitutional hold-up.” His remarks have intensified debate around transparency, fairness, and the future of democracy in the country.

A Pre-Election Warning

Speaking at a press conference in Yaoundé, Issa Tchiroma—leader of the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC)—cautioned that the upcoming polls risk being manipulated through legal and constitutional maneuvers.

He accused the ruling establishment of preparing strategies to “cling to power at all costs,” including potential amendments to election laws, restrictions on opposition participation, and questionable use of state institutions.

“The people of Cameroon deserve a free and fair election. Any attempt at a constitutional hold-up will not only betray democracy but also plunge our nation into deeper crisis,” Tchiroma declared.

Echoes of Past Elections

Cameroon’s political history has often been marked by accusations of electoral manipulation. Opposition leaders frequently point to issues such as limited access to media, voter registration irregularities, and the dominance of the ruling party.

Tchiroma’s warning comes at a sensitive moment, as citizens prepare to cast their votes amid growing calls for political change after more than four decades of leadership under President Paul Biya.

National and International Reactions

The statement has sparked widespread reactions. Opposition parties welcomed Tchiroma’s bold stance, viewing it as a rallying call for unity against potential electoral fraud. Civil society organizations also expressed concerns, urging electoral authorities to ensure transparency and fairness.

International observers, particularly from the African Union (AU) and European Union (EU), are monitoring developments closely. Calls for independent election monitoring are intensifying, with diplomats stressing that credibility will be crucial for stability in Cameroon.

Stakes for Cameroon

At the heart of Tchiroma’s warning lies a deeper fear: that Cameroon could face political instability if citizens perceive the election outcome as illegitimate. With high unemployment, security challenges in the Anglophone regions, and widespread economic frustration, tensions are already running high.

Analysts warn that a contested election could lead to street protests, deepen ethnic and political divisions, and strain the country’s fragile social fabric.

A Call to Action

Tchiroma urged both local and international actors to remain vigilant. He appealed to Cameroonians to defend their democratic rights peacefully but firmly, emphasizing that sovereignty belongs to the people, not political elites.

Looking Ahead

As the countdown to election day continues, the debate around a “constitutional hold-up” will remain central to Cameroon’s political discourse. Whether Tchiroma’s warning is a political strategy or a genuine call for reform, it reflects growing concerns about the credibility of the 2025 vote.

What happens in the coming weeks will determine not only the outcome of this election but also the trajectory of democracy in Cameroon for years to come.