By Editorial,
Cameroon’s influential Catholic Church has called for calm, as fears grow that violence could erupt once official results from the presidential election are declared.
Opposition candidate and ex-government spokesman, Mr. Issa Tchiroma Bakary has declared himself the winner of the 12 October election, saying he defeated the 92-year-old President Paul Biya, who is seeking to extend his 43 year-rule by seven more years.
Tchiroma’s declaration was criticized by both the government and Biya’s ruling party, with several officials describing it as illegal.
In a statement released by the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, Catholic Bishops expressed the need for peace and stability.
The clerics said they hoped that the official result would reflect the will of the electorate, and “nothing will be changed by any authority involved in this exercise”. END