ELECAM reviews institutional strides, plans for 2026 polls.

Opening discussions, the Chairperson of the Electoral Board, Dr Enow Abrams Egbe, underscored that the meeting was to consolidate feedback from recent field operations, highlight achievements and identify lapses that must be urgently addressed. 

He said the Board looked at lessons drawn from previous missions and meetings to reposition ELECAM more strategically ahead of the 2026 twin elections. 

The Electoral Board chairperson identified anticipating logistical and human resource needs and refining priorities for the coming year.

According to him, the evaluation exercise is central to refining ELECAM’s strategic and operational roadmap for the upcoming financial year.

“The objective is to review our progress so far and reshape our roadmap as we approach another crucial electoral year,” Dr Enow Abrams remarked. 

Field findings to guide future elections

The Board Chair noted that findings gathered during the 2025 field missions will guide ELECAM’s approach to upcoming electoral processes and reinforce the institution’s overall performance. 

He noted that one of the major items on the agenda was the review and adoption of the terms of reference for the next nationwide field trip planned for early January 2026.

During the planned missions, members of the Electoral Board, he said, are expected to supervise the annual revision of the voters’ registers and oversee the kick-off of voter registration for 2026. 

Reflecting on 2025, preparing for 2026

Reflecting on this year’s achievements, Dr Enow Abrams praised the strategic preparation, planning and forecasting that contributed to the successful organisation of recent elections.

 He acknowledged the extensive mobilisation efforts carried out nationwide and in diplomatic missions abroad, which ensured smooth operations despite logistical and security challenges.

“As we conclude the first chapter of the 2025–2027 electoral cycle, our responsibility is to focus on effectively preparing for the next legislative and municipal elections,” he noted, adding that: “This requires greater anticipation, strategic thinking, and early coordination from all”.

He insisted on the need for ELECAM’s support structures and branches to undergo a thorough review of their functioning. Strengthening institutional architecture, he said, remains essential to sustaining efficiency and ensuring alignment with the organisation’s long-term vision.

Improving operational flow, responsibilities

To meet the demands of the dense electoral calendar, the Electoral Board Chair stressed the need to improve coordination between departments and clarify responsibilities across the institution.

“The objective is to improve the coordination of operational flows and optimize the distribution of responsibilities in order to ensure greater efficiency and the ability of all departments to meet the requirements of the electoral calendar,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Dr Enow Abrams called for a renewed commitment to excellence, emphasising clarity of purpose and collective responsibility. 

He highlighted several priority areas, including the improvement of staff work conditions, streamlined management of finances, expanded civic and voter education efforts to encourage greater citizen participation in the electoral process.

He added that, it is also important for ELECAM “…to strengthen strategic partnerships, both nationally and internationally, that support our daily activities”. Dr Enow Abrams Ebge noted that collaboration remains central to the institution’s democratic mission.

Commitment to democracy, national cohesion

Beyond technical operations, the ELECAM Electoral Board Chairperson reminded members of their broader mandate in maintaining national stability and strengthening democracy. 

“Our mission, which goes beyond the organisation of elections, is to actively contribute to the building of peace, unity, and national cohesion, essential to the stability of the country,” he stressed.

 He urged members to uphold the values of objectivity, independence, and service that define the institution.

Dr Enow Abrams further expressed confidence in ELECAM’s ability to continue improving performance despite challenges. 

“We must ensure that every vote counts and that every citizen participates fully in the electoral process. Despite many challenges, we achieved significant accomplishments in 2025, and I hope that 2026 will be even more favourable,” he quipped.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3650 of Tuesday December 09, 2025