A wind of change is blowing over Cameroon: the citizen mobilization of Cameroonians on the electoral lists is clearly perceptible in view of the 2025 presidential election.
A wake-up call
In Cameroon, for several days, an unprecedented movement has been taking shape. Across the country, citizens of voting age are mobilizing massively to register on the electoral rolls with a view to the 2025 presidential election in our country. This “strange” phenomenon marks a significant change in the attitude of Cameroonians towards politics, previously perceived as a domain reserved for elites and often neglected by the population.
Historically shy and disinterested in political participation, Cameroonians are now showing increasing interest in exercising their democratic rights. This new dynamic is fueled by a collective desire for change and political renewal, after more than four decades of unchallenged reign of the Cameroonian People’s Democratic Rally (RDPC), headed by President Paul Biya.
Whether on social networks, on television, on the radio, in the streets and other crowded places, calls are being launched to invite Cameroonians to massively register their names on the electoral lists. The registration operation which begins, according to Cameroonian law in principle, on January 1 of each year and is supposed to end on August 31 of the same year.
The election management body in Cameroon, Elecam (Elections Cameroon) is at the heart of this movement. Responsible for guaranteeing the transparency and fairness of the electoral process, Elecam is seeing a record number of new people registered on the electoral lists. The body also indicated that more than 1,500 new registrants were registered between mid-February and March 2024. A record compared to previous years. This influx testifies to the desire of citizens to take control of their political destiny and to play an active role in the choice of their leaders.
Huge stakes
The challenges of this mobilization are multiple and profound. First of all, it is about asserting the voice and will of the Cameroonian people in the democratic process. By mobilizing to register on the electoral lists, citizens express their desire to see new leaders and new ideas emerge, capable of responding to the country’s socio-economic challenges.
Visual to encourage young people to register on the electoral lists. Photo credit: Paul Mahel (with permission for publication)
Then, this mobilization demonstrates a collective awareness of the importance of citizen participation in the construction of a democratic and equitable society. Cameroonians realize that their voice counts and that they have the power to shape the future of their country through their active participation in elections.
With all due respect, we invite the moral authorities of our traditions and the religious moral authorities to give their impetus to the citizen dynamic of registration on the electoral lists. Likewise, let us raise awareness in our national languages.
CL— Cabral LIBII (@CabralLibii) April 20, 2024
A real desire for change
Finally, this mobilization also reflects a desire for change and a break with a political system often criticized for its lack of transparency, democratic governance and inclusiveness. Citizens aspire to governance that is fairer, more transparent and more representative of the diversity of Cameroonian society.
In conclusion, the citizen mobilization of registration on the electoral lists in view of the 2025 presidential election marks a turning point in the political history of Cameroon. It reflects the desire of the Cameroonian people to take control of their political destiny and to actively contribute to building a better future for all.
Fabrice Nouanga