South West: ELECAM urges local stakeholders to ensure inclusiveness in upcoming elections
By Nchendzengang Tatah
The elections regulatory body, Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), discussed with grassroots stakeholders of the South West region in preparation for upcoming elections. This was at the 3rd edition of the regional platform for permanent consultation between ELECAM and stakeholders of the electoral process which was held in Buea on April 25, 2025.
Participants in the meeting included youth, religious, political leaders and the press under the theme; “For a mobilisation of all stakeholders of the electoral process to ensure peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections.”
ELECAM board member Tambe Tiku Christopher, told participants that election was a major component of democracy and therefore, the need for mobilisation. Every Cameroonian voice, he said, “deserves to be heard regardless of religion, gender or ability. This is not merely a procedural requirement. But a moral imperative that defines the character of our democracy”.
He added that the need to create pathways for all excluded from the political process was imperative. The ELECAM board member further highlighted that public trust is only built when there is access to accurate and timely information. Tambe Tiku hailed the need for peace through dialogue and conflict resolution. He noted that the days ahead will bring about innovations. “We must also acknowledge that peace is not merely the absence of violence by the presence of justice and opportunity”.
He reminded the electoral stakeholders that the might of millions of Cameroonians rested on their shoulders and that history would judge them – not by the plans they make but by the actions they take. “We must prove ourselves worthy of that trust” he exhorted.
ELECAM figures for SW
The regional Delegate of ELECAM for the South West, Zofoa Njoya Sake disclosed that they had a target of 30,000 voters to enroll in 2025. As of the date of the meeting, they had a total of 16,969 potential voters- 6673 females and 10,236 males. There was an increase of 7,391 new voters with 56.96% compared to 9578 registered in 2024, by the same period with a percentage score of 46.39%. Mr Zofoa further announced that the South West had received 62,797 voter cards by February 13, 2025. With 18,522 already collected – 29.49 distribution rate.
In 2024, they were charged 20,643 potential voters to be enrolled. They were able to get up to 14,340 males and 21,174 females, making a total of 36,114 persons. Over the national territory, it was made known that the number of eligible voters stood at 159, 206 females and 219,61 males. Giving a total of 408,000 eligible voters. The number of eligible voters in the South West as of the meeting is 408,820 persons – including those with disabilities.
“I appeal to the entire stakeholders of the electoral process, especially in the political party family, to continue to sensitize and educate those youth who are still dragging their feet. To take it as a challenge to be enlisted on the electoral role and choose their leaders when the time comes,” he appealed.
The South West ELECAM delegate concluded by inviting stakeholders to work in solidarity. He urged them to work towards ensuring hitch-free elections.
