GAROUA, Cameroon — Cameroon opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary has declared victory in the country’s October 12 presidential election, calling on long-serving President Paul Biya to “honour the truth of the ballot box.”

“Our victory is clear. It must be respected,” Tchiroma, 76, said in a speech posted on Facebook from his northern hometown of Garoua. “The people have chosen, and this choice must be respected.”

A former government spokesperson and employment minister, Tchiroma broke with Biya earlier this year and ran a campaign that drew large crowds and endorsements from a coalition of opposition parties and civic groups.

Biya, 92, the world’s oldest serving head of state, is seeking an eighth term after 43 years in power. Analysts had expected his control over state institutions and a fragmented opposition to give him an advantage, despite growing public dissatisfaction over economic stagnation and security concerns.

Tchiroma praised voters for defying intimidation and remaining at polling stations late into the night to protect their ballots. “I also thank candidates who have already sent me their congratulations and recognized the will of the people,” he said.

He warned the regime that it must either accept the results or risk plunging the country into turmoil: “Either it shows greatness by accepting the truth of the ballot box, or it chooses to plunge the country into turmoil that will leave an indelible scar in the heart of our nation.”

The government has not officially responded to Tchiroma’s declaration. However, Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji recently warned that any unilateral announcement of results would be considered “high treason,” noting that only the Constitutional Council can formally declare a winner. Final results must be validated by the Council, which has until October 26 to release its decision.

Cameroon’s electoral law allows results to be posted at polling stations, and Tchiroma said he would soon release a region-by-region breakdown of vote tallies compiled from these publicly posted results.

“This victory is not that of one man, nor of one party. It is the victory of a people,” Tchiroma said, urging the military, security forces, and government administrators to remain loyal to the “republic, not the regime.”

Cameroon’s single-round electoral system awards the presidency to the candidate with the most votes. More than 8 million people were registered to vote in this election.