October 12’25 : Citizen-Led Disô Project calls Volunteers Bows to Guard Polls Despite Gov’t Pushback
By Synthia Lateu
Despite warnings from the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, a project known as Disô (Sentinel), spearheaded by Les Bâtisseurs de la Nation and a coalition of civil society organisations has continued mobilising volunteers to observe Cameroon’s October 12 presidential election.
In a release issued on October 2, the coalition, which includes the West Cameroon Association (WCA) Think Tank, Project C, ElectionCheck, Electis, Forces Alternatives Pour le Changement (FAC), and Protège Ton Vote, reaffirmed that its initiative is “built on the assertion that truth can be protected if Cameroonians themselves step up.”
“The coalition’s goal is to mobilise at least 30,000 trained volunteers to observe polling stations nationwide. This figure is essential to ensure a representative sample across the country’s 32,000 polling stations,” the statement read.
With Cameroon heading into a pivotal presidential vote with a record 8.2 million registered voters, the group said its volunteers will be equipped with a secure mobile solution to record and transmit polling station results in real time even in areas with poor or no internet connectivity. By publishing credible data before official tallies are released, the project seeks to “reduce misinformation, ease tensions, and strengthen trust in the democratic process.”
Minister Atanga Nji had earlier warned Barrister Michèle Ndoki and Les Bâtisseurs de la Nation against pursuing the initiative, insisting that only the Ministry of Territorial Administration has the authority to grant election observer accreditation.
In response, Ndoki argued that Disô does not seek accreditation and is not competing with ELECAM or government institutions. Instead, she framed the project as a civic duty: “For decades, Cameroonians have said elections are always rigged. This year, we say: not if citizens take responsibility…Cameroon belongs to its people, and no one should fear transparency.”
Reiterating its position, the coalition stressed: “This is not about politics. It’s about peace, credibility, and the future of our nation.” The statement further underlined that Disô is “non-partisan, peaceful, and citizen-driven,” and that its work is legally grounded in Sections 113 and 114 of the Cameroon Electoral Code.
Diso is also being spearheaded by UK based political Activist, Kingsley Sheteh Newuh.
