Cameroon Decides: The road to the final presidential election

Greeting Steemit Family

One week to the elections in Cameroon, and things seem to be unfolding smoothly with no major incidents reported in any of the regions. I have participated in the past three elections, and for this upcoming one, I’m beginning to sense that it will not be business as usual.

When the date for this year’s presidential election was announced, I published several articles about the possible outcome and provided my reasons for believing it would go that way. Some people asked, “Why give victory to a candidate when the elections have not yet been conducted? Do you mean the candidate has already manipulated the process before voters have even cast their ballots?”

Yeah, it might look that way, but that’s not the case. Winning an election requires a lot of groundwork. You don’t just show up in an election year and declare yourself a candidate. Democratic elections are won at the ballot box, and a serious candidate must campaign early enough to win the hearts of the voters.

So far, as we approach the elections on October 12, 2025, I still believe the current candidate will win. However, the little twist this time is the manipulation we are seeing all over the country. None of the candidates, as of now, has a clear manifesto that tells the population what to expect from them.

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Sometimes, instead of constantly blaming the current regime, opposition candidates should simply tell the people what they will do differently. Watching the news, I have noticed that most candidates have started campaigning. But what strikes me is the category of followers they attract. According to Cameroon’s electoral code, you must be 20 years or older in the election year and registered to vote.

Yet, during campaigns for some candidates, I have seen kids and youths clearly under 20 years old. What disturbs me is the behavior of some of these kids on the streets. I understand they’ve only known this current president and what they hear their parents say at home. But going as far as vandalizing posters of the current president and other candidates is wrong.

Those actions are punishable by law. These kids are not even eligible to vote, but are already getting involved in criminal acts because of a political candidate. If they are caught, the politician will deny any involvement, which is true. The problem is that some politicians knowingly target the wrong audience just to gather large crowds at rallies. But let’s be clear, huge numbers at a rally do not translate to votes. Only eligible voters can cast a ballot, and that’s what truly counts.

Now, back to why I mentioned a twist in this election and why I’m worried. There’s a growing narrative from the opposition, claiming that the current regime always manipulates results and that voters must not allow it this time. I find that message troubling because many people in the population are not even registered or eligible to vote.

When the results are finally announced, and let’s say the current president wins. The opposition may quickly hit the streets, claiming the elections were rigged, even if that’s not the case. I fear that some opposition groups are already preparing to create unrest after the elections, simply because they know they cannot win at the ballot box.

To those who believe in prayer, please pray for Cameroon.

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Cheers
Thanks for dropping by
@fombae