ELECAM puts number of potential voters at over eight million.

This was during a press conference at the ELECAM head office in Yaounde. The presser came after the close of the annual registration on August 31. According to Dr Essousse, there has been a significant increase in the number of potential registered voters. 

“We have some 755,085 newly enrolled voters making a 58.70% increase as compared to the previous year,” he detailed. 

The newly enrolled voters, he said, include; 443,270 men and 311,815 women, 8,830 individuals from the diaspora and 654 persons with disabilities and 489,869 youths aged between 20 and 35 years.

“In total, the number of registered voters now stands at 8,116,960, a figure that signifies a marked improvement compared to the previous year. This surge in voter registration is a reflection of the efforts put in place by the government and its partners in enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of the electoral process,” Dr Essousse said.

According to Dr Essousse, the increase in registration is proof of the inclusive system put in place at the level of ELECAM. 

“We are working with all stakeholders to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in the electoral process,” Dr Essousse said.

He said ELECAM has been working with “the press, civil society, political parties, administration, judicial authorities and international organisation. Our need is to be clear, transparent, and objective and I think that we are succeeding to do so because all the appreciation at the national and international level says ELECAM is a strong institution. We are working in to perfection and the person that wants to criticise us needs to produce strong evidence”.

To Dr Essousse, ELECAM is prepared for the upcoming elections, and the record number of registered voters is a promising indicator of an increase in political engagement and the success of efforts to make the electoral process more inclusive and transparent.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3221 of Friday September 6, 2024