October 12 poll: UMS’ Pierre Kwemo flags off campaign in Penja.

Kwemo told supporters at the rally that if voted, he will change the country’s economic, social and political situation by introducing reforms that will match with the country’s realities and fit the needs of citizens. 

He promised to address the needs of the population of Penja and those of their neighbouring communities whom he said have been unfairly deprived of the opportunity to reap the fruits of their labour.

“We all know how our population is continuously hungry and unable to feed itself. We all know how our people get sick and are unable to get medical attention for themselves. What is the medication that will end our hunger and health challengers? What is the solution to our portable water crisis? That is socialism and I represent socialism as a candidate,” Hon Kwemo stated. 

The candidate expressed gratitude to the people of Penja for the trust bestowed on him and urged them to make the commitment count by going out to massively vote.

“The population that came out for the occasion agreed with me that the current economic and social situation is disastrous. The town where the Upper Penja plantations (PHP) is located, a large agro-industrial company and a subsidiary of the French fruit company, does not benefit from the company's spinoffs,” Hon Kwemo stated in a post on his official Facebook page after the event.

“On the contrary, the company’s employees have long complained about the exploitation they suffer. This is why the people here are saying, ‘Enough is Enough! They are opting for change with the UMS party,” the UMS candidate added.

Hoping to make instant impact

Hon Kwemo is contesting for the Unity Palace top job for the first time. The MP whose UMS party has two representatives in the National Assembly and controls the Bafang Council in his native Upper Nkam Division of the West Region, is one of the front runners in the ongoing presidential race.

Before heading to launch his campaign in Penja, the candidate who is contesting on the slogan “People’s Choice and Voice of Hope”, had visited several other localities in the country as part of his activities during the pre-campaign window. 

Earlier this month, he made stopovers in the three Northern regions. While in Kousseri in the Logone and Chari Division of the Far North Region, he promised to among others provide lasting solutions to insecurity issues affecting the community and the poor state of roads.

He had earlier made similar crowd-pulling outings in Bertoua, Betare Oya, Meiganga and Garoua Boulai, all in the East Region. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3580 of Tuesday September 30, 2025