October 12 poll: ELECAM launches tactile envelope for voters with visual impairment.

This was during a ceremony attended by representatives of associations of persons living with disabilities, political parties, civil society organisations, and members of the visually impaired community.

Dr Essousse stressed that the new tactile envelope is a symbol of equal rights and recognition of diversity, which ELECAM has tirelessly worked on to guarantee full voting rights for all Cameroonians, particularly those often marginalised by circumstances beyond their control.

“The innovation is a major advancement in the evolution of Braille...it allows blind and visually impaired people to vote independently, confidentially, and with the same dignity as any other citizen,” Dr Essousse declared.

He explained that the tactile envelope was developed after constructive consultations between ELECAM, associations for people with disabilities, and technical partners. 

The system, he explained, combines Braille with raised dots and guiding features, allowing both Braille-literate and non-Braille readers to use it with relative ease.

“Democracy becomes stronger when it gives a voice to all without distinction,” he said, noting that the system is not only a tool but a “symbol of equal opportunity and justice” and great stride towards moving the country to more participatory democracy.

Awareness of voters’ ahead of Election Day

ELECAM staff also used the event to educate participants with visual impairments on the practical use of the tactile envelope and to reassure them that their participation will be secret, respected, and effective.

Dr Essousse invited eligible voters to take ownership of the tool ahead of voting day for their voice to be heard through the ballot box. 

Visually impaired persons laud initiative

The innovation has been warmly welcomed by members of the visually impaired community. 

Visually impaired person cum journalist, Jean-Pascal Somb Lingom, described the tactile envelope as a breakthrough that comes to resolve a long-standing concern.

“One of our biggest worries was whether we could vote without a third party knowing our choice. Thanks to ELECAM, this is now possible. We can vote in full confidentiality like every other citizen, and that is a serious advancement in our democratic participation,” he said.

Somb Lingom said visually impaired persons represent about 10 percent of the roughly 30 million citizens. 

“That is three million voters with disabilities. This is a strong electoral force that political actors cannot afford to overlook,” he stressed, while hailing the uniqueness of the approach. 

“After some research, I realised that most countries use either Braille or tactile dots, but not both. Cameroon is innovating by combining the two methods, thereby broadening accessibility”.

Political actors commend ELECAM

Political stakeholders have also welcomed the reform. The Secretary General of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation, PCRN, Eko’o Aristide, lauded ELECAM for taking a bold step.

“This innovation is timely and significant. Persons with disabilities have been advocating this for years, and we are happy to see ELECAM responding. Voting is a constitutional right, and this ensures that every citizen, regardless of physical condition, can exercise it without discrimination,” he stated.

Eko’o further pledged that his party would play its part in sensitising voters about the tactile envelope. 

“If this system is properly rolled out nationwide, it will not only benefit the visually impaired but strengthen confidence in the entire electoral process,” he said.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3568 of Thursday September 18, 2025