By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Former Minister and President of the National Salvation Front Party, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, announced on July 26 that he would revise the electoral code if elected president of Cameroon.
Speaking at a press conference in Yaoundé on July 25, Tchiroma Bakary aimed to clarify public perception of his character, career, and vision for the country. He stressed the need for a single ballot in elections and expressed his commitment to a single transitional presidential term, preparing to transfer power to a new generation. He was accompanied by the Secretary General of the party, Jeanne Nsoga Sone and Communication officer, Dr. Chris Maneng’s.
“Today, I do not stand before you as an ordinary politician,” he said. “I stand before you as a citizen, a father, a patriot, and a candidate for transition. A transition that many Cameroonians, in their silent suffering, still hope for but hardly dare to believe in.”
Tchiroma Bakary also pledged to form a unity government that includes members from various political sides, civil society, and the diaspora. He plans to sign a national ethics charter focused on term limits, transparency, truth, and reconciliation.
He called for the establishment of a federal state to ensure better distribution of power and paid tribute to the nation’s founding father. He expressed his desire to provide every Cameroonian with the opportunity to learn a trade or profession.
“Training and preparing the youth for a successful generational transition is crucial,” he said. “What I expect from you now is not to take me at my word.”
Tchiroma Bakary noted he has been the target of numerous attacks in recent weeks, stating, “I solemnly declare here, I have never been a prisoner of any regime.”
He described his resignation from government as an act of conscience rather than political calculation. “I have been a servant of the state, but when Republican ethics disappear and the dignity of the people ceases to be a priority, I realized it was time to break away,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure as Minister of Transport, Minister of Communication, and Minister of Employment and Vocational Training, he detailed his achievements and stated his candidacy is not one of complacency. “I am a candidate to win this Presidential Election, and we mean it,” he said.
“I ask you to listen, to verify, to question, but above all, to dare to believe that a man can remain honest and upright,” he added. “Experience is not a crime, and loyalty to the people is stronger than loyalty to a regime.”
Tchiroma Bakary extended his hand to the youth, the diaspora, and women, whom he described as the pillars of family and society.
“The time has come not just to campaign but to write history,” he said. “Together, let us reclaim our voice, reclaim our power, and prepare the next generation.”
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, born September 10, 1949, is a Cameroonian politician, statesman, and former railway engineer. He served as Minister of Employment and Vocational Training from 2019 to 2025 and held the positions of Minister of Communication from 2009 to 2019 and Minister of Transport from 1992 to 1996 under President Paul Biya.
