Social Democratic Front Calls for Withdrawal of Voting Centers in North-West Region

During the installation ceremony of the new regional head of Elections Cameroon (Elecam), Fonguh Cletus Tanwie, the regional president of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), issued a pressing appeal.

Tanwie urged Elecam authorities to withdraw the voting centers installed in the North-West region amidst the ongoing separatist crisis. The call to action was made during the official inauguration of Mbowoh Elvis as the new Elecam regional delegate for the North-West.

Tanwie emphasized the importance of ensuring that all polling stations are fully operational to facilitate voter participation in upcoming elections. He stressed that voters should have access to polling stations near their residences, underscoring concerns about low voter turnout in previous elections, including the municipal and legislative elections, as well as the 2018 presidential election.

The SDF regional leader argued that the establishment of voting centers has contributed to decreased voter turnout and emphasized their illegality, citing the absence of provisions for such centers in the electoral code. The decision to establish voting centers in 2018 was prompted by the security crisis gripping the North-West and South-West regions, aimed at safeguarding both Elecam officials and voters who were targeted by separatist groups in those areas.

Tanwie reiterated the paramount importance of securing polling stations while also calling upon the newly appointed Elecam regional delegate, Mbowoh Elvis, to intensify efforts to register voters ahead of the upcoming municipal, legislative, and presidential elections scheduled for 2025.

The appeal by the Social Democratic Front highlights the delicate balance between ensuring electoral participation and addressing security concerns in regions affected by conflict. As preparations for future elections continue, the debate surrounding the presence of voting centers in conflict-affected areas is likely to remain a focal point, with stakeholders grappling to find solutions that uphold both electoral integrity and citizen safety.