Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma on Monday night claimed victory in Cameroon’s October 12 presidential election, urging President Paul Biya to gracefully accept defeat and respect the will of the people.

“Our victory is clear. It must be respected,” Tchiroma said in a speech on his Facebook page from his hometown of Garoua in the north of the Central African state. “The people have chosen. And this choice must be respected.”

Seeking An 8th Term

Tchiroma, 76, a former government spokesperson and employment minister, broke ranks with Biya earlier this year and mounted 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. Analys

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