Civil and structural engineer Engr. Ngwasiri Taniform (NT) has sparked fresh debate within Cameroon’s political class with a pointed call to opposition parties: If they cannot secure every polling station, their chances of defeating the ruling establishment remain slim.
Speaking under the theme “Are We Ready to Move for Change?”, Engr. Taniform stressed that the strength of any party or coalition is not measured by speeches, television appearances, or social media campaigns, but by its ability to defend the people’s vote at the grassroots level.
“In a country with around 32,000 polling stations, it is not enough to convince citizens to vote. Those votes must be protected,” Taniform warned. “Protecting them requires presence, discipline, and networks of trusted militants who can stand firm throughout the process.”
The Numbers Behind the Challenge
Taniform broke down the logistical reality opposition forces face. With just two party agents required per polling station, opposition groups need a minimum of 64,000 people on the ground nationwide. Raising that to three agents means 96,000; four agents require 128,000; and five, a staggering 160,000.
For individual parties particularly newer formations that rely heavily on social media buzz and online activism, this level of mobilization is virtually impossible. The engineer argued that this makes coalitions not only desirable but necessary.
“Coalitions should not merely be about bargaining for ministerial seats or future benefits,” Taniform said. “They should be about pooling human and logistical resources to ensure that every polling station is manned and every vote is counted.”
A Call for Strategy, Not Symbolism
While acknowledging the incumbent party’s entrenched national structure, Taniform suggested an alternative model: each opposition party could take responsibility for a share of polling stations within its area of influence. That way, collectively, the opposition would achieve full national coverage.
Without such coordination, he argued, opposition efforts will continue to be symbolic rather than transformative.
“It is not enough to vote. It is just as crucial to protect the vote, oversee the counting, sign the procès-verbaux, and retain evidence of the results,” he said. “The true test of readiness for change lies at the polling station.”
A Cry to Militants
In a closing appeal, Taniform addressed militants of all opposition parties directly, describing the task as a collective responsibility.
“This is a cry for the nation,” he urged. “Change will not come by chance. It will come by preparation, discipline, and sacrifice. The question remains, are we truly ready to move for change?”.
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