The North West Regional Delegate of Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), Mbowoh Elvis, has stated that the lack of functional identification posts in many parts of the Region is hindering voter registration. He made this declaration during a consultation meeting with stakeholders in the region, chaired by ELECAM Board Chairperson Dr. Enow Abrams Egbe, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
The general situation report presented during the meeting to evaluate the launch of the 2025 revision of the electoral registers highlighted the absence of identification posts in many parts of the region, insecurity, among others as challenges faced by ELECAM.
“The absence of functional identification posts in some areas, the passive attitude of most commission members, and difficulties in finding accommodation in areas such as Mbiame, Njikwa, Andek, Widikum, and Bali are some of the challenges we faced in 2024,” said Mbowoh Elvis.
It was also revealed that in 2024, ELECAM targeted 26,436 potential voters in the North West Region. A total of 28,600 individuals were registered, representing 108.2% of the target. Furthermore, 24 individuals changed their polling stations in 2024, the Regional Delegate disclosed.
As highlighted by the general situation report, the various commissions responsible for the revision of the electoral registers for 2025 were established in all 34 council branches by the decisions of the Divisional Branch Heads of ELECAM. A target of 45,000 potential electors was assigned to the North West Region. As of Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 2,384 potential voters have been registered.
Over 49,000 voter cards uncollected
At the beginning of 2024, the stockpile of voter cards was 50,536. As of December 31, 2024, 537 voter cards were distributed, and no new stock was received during the year. Consequently, the number of remaining cards was 49,999, indicated the general situation report.
Cards that were no longer valid in the relevant polling stations were sorted out. Currently, 5,206 invalid cards have been identified, the report said.
“Potential electors have been displaced from their council and division branch areas where they were registered, making it difficult for us to locate them. Separatists forbid individuals from registering on the electoral roll. The constant searching of people’s bags by separatist fighters has frightened potential electors from collecting their cards. The anxiety surrounding the collection of electoral cards is high, especially as elections approach, which contributes to the large number of uncollected cards,” part of the report reads.
After chairing the meeting, Dr. Enow Abrams Egbe reiterated some of the challenges raised and invited electoral stakeholders in the region to collaborate with ELECAM.
“We had fruitful discussions and all agreed that it is important for us to work together for a smooth and successful exercise, aiming for better results compared to last year,” said Dr. Enow Abrams.
First published in NewsWatch newspaper No 196 of Wednesday, January 29, 2025
