The South West Union of Human Rights Associations (SWUHRA) has issued a strong declaration on the conduct of Cameroon’s 2025 presidential elections, highlighting both commendable progress and persistent challenges that threaten the integrity of the democratic process.
Speaking through its Coordinator, Sama Ndaghu Raphael, SWUHRA expressed deep concern over what it described as “significant challenges” during the pre-election period, particularly the refusal of administrative authorities to grant authorization for public spaces to organize campaign rallies. According to the organization, such restrictions undermined freedom of expression and assembly, two essential pillars of any democratic society.
Despite these hurdles, SWUHRA lauded Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) for mobilizing sufficient logistical and material resources to facilitate a smooth and orderly voting process. The human rights body also commended defence and security forces for their neutrality and professionalism throughout the elections, noting that their conduct helped maintain calm and stability at polling stations across the South West region.
“We acknowledge the professionalism of our defence and security forces and the effective organization by ELECAM, which ensured that citizens exercised their civic duty in a peaceful atmosphere,” said Sama Ndaghu Raphael.
However, the declaration did not shy away from raising alarm over alleged incidents of vote rigging reportedly perpetrated by “unscrupulous individuals with the complicity of certain administrative authorities.” SWUHRA condemned these acts unequivocally, calling on the relevant institutions to ensure transparency, accountability, and respect for the people’s will as the results are being tallied.
The organization reported the successful deployment of 40 independent observers across all divisions of the South West region, who monitored the voting process and provided critical oversight to ensure fairness. Their observations, according to SWUHRA, contributed significantly to transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
SWUHRA also commended the youth of the South West region for their massive turnout and peaceful participation in the elections, viewing it as a clear demonstration of civic maturity and commitment to democratic governance.
“The enthusiasm of our young people at the polls reflects a renewed sense of ownership in the destiny of our nation,” Raphael emphasized.
In its concluding remarks, the South West Union of Human Rights Associations called on all political actors, institutions, and citizens to respect the electoral process and accept results that genuinely reflect the will of the people. The organization reiterated its unwavering dedication to defending democracy, human rights, and good governance in Cameroon.
“SWUHRA remains steadfast in promoting a Cameroon where democracy thrives on transparency, justice, and respect for human rights,” the statement affirmed.
As the nation awaits the official proclamation of results, SWUHRA’s declaration serves as both a reminder and a call to conscience that the legitimacy of governance rests not only on ballots cast but on the integrity with which those ballots are counted.
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