A coalition of eight leading Cameroonian civil society organizations has issued a joint preliminary statement following the October 12 presidential election, commending citizens for their maturity and calm while expressing concern over a series of irregularities that, they say, could undermine public confidence in the process if left unaddressed.
The civil society leaders, whose observation mission covered all ten regions of the country, described the 2025 presidential election as one of the most decisive in Cameroon’s history. Their mission included both officially accredited observers by the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT) and citizen monitors deployed to polling stations across the country. The statement highlights that despite the general peaceful atmosphere and improved logistics provided by Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), several issues emerged that called the integrity of parts of the process into question.
Among the irregularities observed were the late publication of voter lists, which caused confusion and prevented some citizens from locating their polling stations, as well as reports of deceased individuals still appearing on electoral rolls. Delays in the opening of some polling centers, a shortage or unequal distribution of ballot papers, and the absence of many party representatives also raised concerns. In several areas, observers reported attempts at ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and limited access to the counting process for observers and journalists.
One of the most alarming incidents, the observers noted, occurred in Garoua, where clashes reportedly erupted between supporters of candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary and security forces. The confrontation is said to have left multiple people injured and led to the burning of a vehicle allegedly belonging to the National Gendarmerie.
Similar tensions were reported in Buea, Mutengene, and Bamenda, where security personnel reportedly restricted observers from monitoring the vote-counting process, a situation that observers said “seriously undermines transparency.”
Nonetheless, the report also acknowledged several positive developments. The observers praised ELECAM for its overall organization of the polls, noting that polling stations were accessible and that election materials were generally available on time. They commended polling staff for their professionalism and their efforts to guide voters, including the elderly and persons with disabilities. The statement equally hailed the peaceful participation of voters in the North West and South West regions, where no separatist-related incidents were recorded, marking a significant improvement compared to previous elections.
The observers further highlighted the visible enthusiasm of citizens during the campaign period, the responsible conduct of security forces in most localities, and the broad media coverage that ensured Cameroonians were adequately informed. They described these as encouraging signs of a maturing democracy.
Despite these positive aspects, the coalition expressed concern over the relatively low voter turnout, estimated between 38 and 45 percent of registered voters, stressing that those who did vote made their choice freely. The statement called on all authorities involved in the compilation and proclamation of results, particularly ELECAM, the Constitutional Council, and the Ministry of Territorial Administration, to demonstrate integrity, responsibility, and complete independence in handling the final stages of the process.
The organizations also warned against any form of intimidation or pressure directed at candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary and his supporters, denouncing what they described as “unacceptable acts” near his residence following the close of polls. They insisted that the security forces must prioritize the protection of citizens and the respect of democratic rights, not political interests.
The civil society coalition urged the government and electoral bodies to ensure that the final results truly reflect the will of the people as expressed at the ballot box. “Cameroon is a state of law. The fate of our national cohesion depends on the sincerity and transparency of the final results,” the statement declared. “Any attempt to manipulate or subvert the outcome would not only betray the people’s trust but could also endanger the stability of the nation.”
The declaration was signed in Yaoundé by representatives of eight prominent organizations: the Network of Human Rights Defenders in Central Africa (REDHAC) led by Maximilienne Ngo Mbe; Mandela Center International represented by Jean Claude Fogno; the International Federation for the Promotion of Human Rights and Development (FIPDHD) coordinated by Achileus Tardzenyuy; the Center for Research and Action for Integral Development (CRADIF) headed by Elisabeth Gelas; the Civil Society Platform for Democracy under Dr. Hilaire Kamga; Conscience Africaine represented by Amadu Ntarnteh; Positive Generation under Dr. Fogué Foguito; and Action de Solidarité pour le Développement et la Démocratie led by Mapaya Souleymane.
Collectively, the organizations called on Cameroonians to remain calm but vigilant as the country awaits the official proclamation of results.
They described this moment as “a defining test of Cameroon’s democratic maturity” and appealed to all stakeholders to act in the supreme interest of the Republic.
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