In a tone of dignity and statesmanship, Hon. Joshua Osih, National Chairman of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) and candidate in the October 12, 2025 presidential election, has gracefully accepted the outcome of the polls, pledging his continued commitment to peace, democracy, and reform in Cameroon.
In an end-of-campaign message issued on October 14, Osih expressed “profound gratitude” to supporters and volunteers who had, over the past three years, worked relentlessly to promote an alternative vision for the country.
“The people have spoken, and the verdict of the ballot box is clear,” Osih stated. “We accept this outcome in full respect of the sovereign will of the Cameroonian people and of the Republic.”
Acceptance with Honour, Hope for Reform
While acknowledging that the results were “not favourable” to his candidacy, Osih reaffirmed his respect for the democratic process and emphasized the importance of modernizing the electoral system to prevent future delays and disputes.
“Our project had proposed, among other priorities, the complete digitalization of Cameroon’s public administration, to ensure that no future election would ever again require weeks before results are known,” he noted.
The SDF leader argued that such reform remains essential for “transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the service of citizens.”
Trust in Institutions, Priority on Peace
Osih also addressed concerns about irregularities and fraud reported during the voting process. He confirmed that his team would submit evidence of these incidents to the Constitutional Council, but made it clear that any legal challenges would not come at the expense of national cohesion.
“If any legal challenge were to undermine the clearly expressed will of the Cameroonian people, we will refrain from pursuing it,” he affirmed. “The stability of our nation and the preservation of peace must always come first.”
He urged the Constitutional Council to handle all petitions with “rigor, fairness, and independence,” and called for transparency in the proclamation of the final results.
A Message of Unity and Democratic Maturity
In a gesture of political maturity, Osih pledged to congratulate the eventual winner once results are officially confirmed, underscoring that democracy is not about personal ambition but national progress.
“My greatest wish is that this victory be placed at the service of the ordinary Cameroonian, the men and women who simply aspire to live with dignity, to work, to prosper, and to once again believe in their country,” he said.
The message, signed personally by Osih, concluded with a renewed call for unity and a reminder that beyond political competition, it is Cameroon itself that must triumph.
“Because beyond parties and candidates, it is Cameroon that must emerge victorious from this election,” he declared. “Long live our democracy, long live Cameroon.”
Context
The SDF, Cameroon’s oldest opposition party, entered the 2025 race seeking to rejuvenate its political base and present a pragmatic reform agenda focused on decentralization, digital governance, and youth empowerment. Although early indications show that the party did not secure a significant share of the vote, Osih’s calm and conciliatory tone has been widely praised as a model of democratic maturity.
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