Ahead of presidentials: ELECAM reveals voter register hits over 8 million.

He revealed the figures Saturday, June 28, in Yaounde. This was during the Second Ordinary session of the Electoral Board of ELECAM. 

Dr Enow Abrams noted that from January to June 26, 2025, some 373,588 new potential voters had been registered.

He expressed delight in the progress made in registering potential voters. He said details show that there are 3,789,859 women and men 4,429,351 on the electoral roll. 

The surge in figures, he said, is due to increase awareness campaigns by stakeholders and the diligent efforts of ELECAM field.

The Electoral Board chair added that, the figures also “reflect not only our outreach efforts but also the improved functionality of our equipment and the professionalism of our staff”.

Hails institution’s technological modernisation

The Electoral Board Chairperson noted that the introduction of 1,000 state-of-the-art biometric registration kits have also contributed to increasing potential voter enrolment.

He saluted the modernisation of ELECAM through the use of technology to enhance efficiency. Field agents across the country, he noted, have been undergoing training to effectively use the new kits.

Dr Enow Abrams revealed that work is also ongoing to physically count staff, consolidate the permanent database, and regularise the situation of contract.

Reiterates readiness for October poll

ELECAM, he said, is in the “final stretch” of preparations for the October poll.  He noted that almost all equipment have been procured and distributed. 

The Electoral Board Chairperson said attention is now on securing the integrity of the national electoral register, modernising electoral infrastructure, and enhancing service delivery.

Commends int’l partnerships 

Dr Enow Abrams commended the ELECAM-United Nations, UN Technical Assistance Project for the 2025–2027 electoral cycle, signed on May 9.

The partnership, he declared, has produced tangible results through a series of workshops already organised. The goal, he said is to encourage peaceful dialogue before, during, and after elections.

The workshops, he added, “are crucial in strengthening inclusivity, transparency, and integrity within our electoral system”.

At the international level, ELECAM’s stature, he added has continued to rise. During the inaugural General Assembly of the Network of Electoral Management Bodies in Central Africa, ROGEAC, held in Bujumbura, Burundi, he disclosed that Cameroon’s delegation secured the post of Treasurer General. The position, he said, is held by Hon Belle Amougou Dieudonné.

The achievement, he went on, “is a clear indicator that Elections Cameroon is being recognized as a leader in electoral management not just in Central Africa, but across the continent”. 

Dr Enow Abrams also commended Electoral Board members for their dedication.

Welcomes new board member

Saturday’s meeting also saw the welcoming of Rev Fr Mathias Stephane Bell, newly appointed to the Electoral Board. The Electoral Board chairperson described the new member as a man of “strong moral integrity and deep communication expertise”.

Father Bell, he said, has a track record in Church leadership, communication, and public service including roles as head of the Episcopal Conference’s Multimedia Centre and Vatican Radio correspondent.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3489 of Monday June 30, 2025