'Respect the people's decision' - Voters in Cameroon hint at 'something special', others allege fraud as post-elex count continues

'Respect the people's decision' - Voters in Cameroon hint at 'something special', others allege fraud as post-elex count continues

"Counting began in Yaounde on Sunday after Cameroon's presidential election, where incumbent Paul Biya, the world's oldest ruler at 92, seeks to extend his 43-year term despite an opposition push for change. Footage shows voters waiting outside polling stations, election workers counting votes, a board displaying tallies, and officials recording results. Yaounde resident and voter Ombre Manuel urged patience as the nation awaits the results: "Let's respect the people's decision, it's the people who are sovereign." He added that true patriotism meant accepting the outcome. Another voter, Darian Temga David, alleged irregularities at Simbock School, claiming "they gave only one ballot paper, which was Paul Biya’s blank ballot paper," a practice he claimed to have stopped. Cameroon's prominent opposition figure, Maurice Kamto, was barred from the election after the commission ruled in July that his party had breached nomination regulations. Allegations of fraud against Biya have persisted in recent elections, focusing on his party’s control of the electoral process, the systematic sidelining of strong opposition, and reported irregularities in conflict-affected areas. Biya and his ruling party have consistently denied claims of fraud and voter manipulation. Biya's main challenger, 79-year-old former government spokesperson Tchiroma Bakary, has attracted large crowds demanding an end to the president’s decades-long rule. He has received backing from several opposition parties and civic groups united by a shared demand for political renewal. Biya first took power in 1982 after the resignation of Cameroon’s first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo, and has since been declared the winner of seven elections. The country has had only two leaders since gaining independence in 1960. Authorities said 55,000 local and international observers, including African Union representatives, were accredited to monitor the vote. According to Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), more than eight million registered voters cast ballots in the election, whose outcome will be decided by simple majority, with no run-off required."

'Respect the people's decision' - Voters in Cameroon hint at 'something special', others allege fraud as post-elex count continues

'Respect the people's decision' - Voters in Cameroon hint at 'something special', others allege fraud as post-elex count continues

"Counting began in Yaounde on Sunday after Cameroon's presidential election, where incumbent Paul Biya, the world's oldest ruler at 92, seeks to extend his 43-year term despite an opposition push for change. Footage shows voters waiting outside polling stations, election workers counting votes, a board displaying tallies, and officials recording results. Yaounde resident and voter Ombre Manuel urged patience as the nation awaits the results: "Let's respect the people's decision, it's the people who are sovereign." He added that true patriotism meant accepting the outcome. Another voter, Darian Temga David, alleged irregularities at Simbock School, claiming "they gave only one ballot paper, which was Paul Biya’s blank ballot paper," a practice he claimed to have stopped. Cameroon's prominent opposition figure, Maurice Kamto, was barred from the election after the commission ruled in July that his party had breached nomination regulations. Allegations of fraud against Biya have persisted in recent elections, focusing on his party’s control of the electoral process, the systematic sidelining of strong opposition, and reported irregularities in conflict-affected areas. Biya and his ruling party have consistently denied claims of fraud and voter manipulation. Biya's main challenger, 79-year-old former government spokesperson Tchiroma Bakary, has attracted large crowds demanding an end to the president’s decades-long rule. He has received backing from several opposition parties and civic groups united by a shared demand for political renewal. Biya first took power in 1982 after the resignation of Cameroon’s first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo, and has since been declared the winner of seven elections. The country has had only two leaders since gaining independence in 1960. Authorities said 55,000 local and international observers, including African Union representatives, were accredited to monitor the vote. According to Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), more than eight million registered voters cast ballots in the election, whose outcome will be decided by simple majority, with no run-off required."

Trans Royal Mail worker wins sex discrimination payout after harassment from co-workers

Trans Royal Mail worker wins sex discrimination payout after harassment from co-workers

A transgender Royal Mail employee has been awarded compensation after being subjected to bullying, verbal abuse and physical assault.  Sophie Cole was awarded £12,500 ($16,600) by an employment tribunal in Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk, with the judge deciding that Royal Mail had failed to act on the complaints.  The judge said the outcome of the […] The post Trans Royal Mail worker wins sex discrimination payout after harassment from co-workers appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news .