Enhancing the Electoral Process : Broad-based Consultations By ELECAM

Ten years into its existence and after having organised two major electoral cycles in Cameroon, the elections management body embarked on a series of consultative meetings to evaluate its activities, get feedback and improve partnership with stakeholders involved in the process. Amongst the various stakeholders met by the Chairperson of the Electoral Board of Elections Cameroon were representatives of political parties, civil society organisation, traditional rulers and institutional partners like the Cameroon Human Rights Commission, the National Communication Council, and the ministries of Social Affairs, and Youth and Civic Education. Globally, the different meetings which were held under the theme, “The Electoral Process in Cameroon from 2011 to 2021, 10 years with ELECAM: lessons learned, stakes and perspectives.”  are geared at ensuring an inclusive, credible and fair electoral process. Falling in line with ELECAM’s experience sharing and stakeholders engagement in the political activity which gives citizens of voting age the political right to choose their representatives or leaders, reflections covered the registration process to the proclamation of results. 
During each of the meetings, challenges and perspectives were identified. Ensuring responsible communication and sensitisation during the electoral process was also discussed as stakeholders are dedicated at fighting hate speech, electoral violence and fake news. The active participation of youths, political parties, persons living with disabilities and civil society organisations was encouraged. While acknowledging the work, the abovementioned groups of persons are already doing to enhance the vitality of democracy of Cameroon, it was agreed that more needs to be done for the maximum number of citizens to be registered and subsequently vote. 
Amongst the areas of improvement identified was the need to make electoral material and pulling stations accessible to persons living with disabilities. Election...