(MENAFN) Cameroon’s opposition presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared on Tuesday that he had won the country’s presidential election, held on Sunday.

In a televised address to his supporters, Tchiroma described the outcome as an “overwhelming victory.”

“Our victory is clear. It must be respected. The people have chosen,” said Tchiroma, a former government spokesperson who stepped down earlier this year to challenge longtime President Paul Biya, who has ruled the Central African nation for 43 years.

The government has not yet issued any response to Tchiroma’s declaration.

His announcement came shortly after the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, cautioned against any attempts to manipulate the vote count, warning that authorities had detected “a platform” preparing to release “fake” election results.

The head of Cameroon’s electoral commission, Essosse Erik, previously stated that the Constitutional Council will publish the official results “no later than 15 days after the closing date of the polls,” making Tchiroma’s claim premature.

Tchiroma, who has served in several ministerial positions including communication, transport, and employment, resigned from his post in June to contest the presidency.

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