At confab in Yaounde: Political leaders, civil society launch electoral reform platform portal.

It was launched in Yaounde on May 21. The launching came just a day after National Day and was hailed by officials as a symbolic milestone in the ongoing struggle for democratic integrity.

Representatives of the Cameroon People's Party, CPP; Cameroon Renaissance Movement, MRC; Cameroonian Party for National Reconciliation, PCRN; Social Democratic Front, SDF; Cameroon Democratic Union, CDU; Socialists Movement Union, UMS; and the United Socialist Democratic Party, USDP, attended the launching. 

The event also saw the attendance of several heads of diplomatic missions, the Vice President of the Electoral Board of ELECAM, Apolline Marie Amugu Nee Ekobena Abana. 

The spokesperson of the movement, Hon Hermine Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya, who doubles as the National President of CDU party, emphasized the importance of the initiative. 

“This afternoon, May 21, 2025, is a symbolic date for us, coming right after the National Unity Day that we all celebrated as proud Cameroonians,” she stated.

Ndam Njoya recalled that the digital platform had been in development since October 2024, though the idea was mooted as far back as 2021. 

“We planned this portal as a vital tool to support our call for the constitutional and participatory modification of the electoral code,” she said.

Tomaino Ndam Njoya criticized the current electoral law, highlighting that it was adopted in 2012 without broad consultation “by the ruling party at the National Assembly. 

“We are Republicans,” she stated, adding that “Cameroon is for all of us and by all of us. We believe that laws must adapt to the socio-political and economic realities of the time. From 2012 to 2025, much has changed, including demography and post-electoral crises, demanding a more inclusive approach”.

As per the former Member of Parliament, the launch of the platform’s web portal marks a renewed call for transparent, inclusive, and democratic electoral processes in Cameroon 

Queuing in from the Member of Parliament, the ELECAM official, Apolline Marie, commended the initiative and the technical team behind the secure and credible development of the platform.

“Elections Cameroon values this platform driven by a spirit of conciliation and consensus,” the representative noted. 

“We came to listen and observe the progress of the portal and salute the efforts made to ensure data security. We also recognize the importance of this initiative in preserving peace and national cohesion.” Apolline said.  

While acknowledging the demands raised by the platform concerning electoral reforms, the ELECAM representative added that: “We believe that Parliament holds the authority to give a timely and positive response to these demands”. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3456 of Monday May 26, 2025