ELECAM revises nationwide inclusive voter registration strategy.

Brainstorming to this effect was the focus of a three-day workshop in Douala, aimed at promoting political inclusion and upholding the rights of persons with disabilities.

Held from May 13 to 15, 2025, workshop was part of the second phase of a broader initiative launched in partnership with several United Nations agencies in Cameroon. 

Officials said the workshop was a key activity under the participatory revision framework of ELECAM voter mobilization and registration strategy and aligns with Cameroon’s commitment under the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNPRPD, particularly following the country's selection in the 4th UNPRPD Call for Proposals.

Implemented since July 20, 2022, the project focuses on strengthening the rights of persons with disabilities, enhancing accessibility, fostering inclusive services, and combatting discrimination. 

Supported by UNESCO, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, OHCHR, and the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, the project covers all ten regions of Cameroon. The second phase was launched on October 17, 2024, under the leadership of the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Officials said as Cameroon prepares for key electoral season come October 2025, the need for a revised, inclusive electoral strategy is paramount. 

The workshop, organised by UNESCO, officials said, to assist the government to promote the political participation of persons with disabilities by developing a clear and operational strategic document tailored to ELECAM's needs.

Twenty-six participants representing key institutions and organisations attended the workshop. Aside the goal to revise and consolidate all existing ELECAM documents concerning the mobilization and registration of voters with disabilities, the workshop also aimed at identifying and reviewing current documents, analyzing gaps and areas for improvement, creating a common framework for revisions, drafting a prototype strategic document, and outlining an action plan for its adoption and dissemination.

As at December 30, 2024, 33,985 persons living with disabilities were registered on the voters list, according to ELECAM. 

As disclosed by the Technical Adviser to Vice Chairperson at the Electoral Board, Amugu Gaelle, the figures are not sufficient. Amugu called on stakeholders to come together and give ELECAM a helping hand to ensure massive registration of those with disabilities and ensure they actively participate in the electoral process.

“Because we cannot move forward without integrating all components of society into political affairs," Amugu added.

Using a collaborative and inclusive methodology, the workshop featured group work sessions and plenary discussions. Experts from participating organisations also contributed via thematic presentations and practical recommendations.

One of them from Inclusive Society, an organisation which advocates a society that all persons are taken into consideration, via its Executive Director, Emmanuelle Tchatchom, laid emphasis on the importance for the electoral process to not only consider vulnerable persons, but also persons with disabilities. 

"It is important that the electoral process at all levels takes into account not only an approach that considers vulnerable people, but specifically people living with disabilities,” she stated.

“As part of the project, the focus is precisely on citizenship and the political participation of people with disabilities in Cameroon. This is one of the most important steps among development and other aspects of inclusion," Tchatchom added.

The workshop provided a comprehensive analysis of ELECAM’s existing materials as well as a list of identified improvements, including a finalized prototype of a clear and functional strategic document, complete with an adoption and communication plan.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3450 of Friday May 16, 2025