The CPDM has intensified preparations for the forthcoming parliamentary and municipal elections, with party officials in the North West Region calling for greater unity, stronger grassroots mobilization, and the selection of candidates with the best chances of winning.
The call was made during a regional seminar for militants of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement at the Congress Hall in Bamenda on Friday, August 21, 2026.
The seminar brought together senior party officials, parliamentarians, mayors, section presidents, subsection presidents, and militants to examine strategies for the upcoming elections and strengthen the party’s organization ahead of the polls.
Former Prime Minister Philemon Yunji Yang, Head of the CPDM Central Committee Permanent Regional Delegation for the North West Region, and Grand Chancellor of National Orders led it.
Philemon Yang explained that the seminar was organized following instructions from the CPDM Central Committee after a meeting held on July 22, 2026. The central leadership had directed the organization of similar seminars across all 10 regions of the country.
The sessions, he said, are intended to improve the party’s preparedness and help it secure victories in the forthcoming municipal and parliamentary elections, as well as other elections at the regional and senatorial levels.
Ten years of permanent delegations
The Bamenda seminar also marked the 10th anniversary of establishing the CPDM Central Committee Permanent Delegations in the country's 10 regions.
The CPDM regional boss said the structures had helped the party deal with several organizational challenges that previously affected its operations. But despite the party's past successes, he warned militants against taking future victories for granted. He said the political environment continues to evolve and the CPDM must constantly review its strategies if it wants to remain successful.
According to him, the party must be prepared to face its opponents without intimidation and remain focused on its political objectives. He described the CPDM as more popular than ever but said that popularity must be backed by hard work, effective mobilization, and a clear electoral strategy.
Reconciliation before mobilization
Internal unity was one of the strongest themes of the seminar. Philemon Yang acknowledged that disagreements are part of human relationships but warned that unresolved conflicts can make it difficult for party members to work together.
He urged militants to reconcile, overcome personal differences, and focus on the broader interests of the party. He said there was little benefit in allowing personal disputes to undermine collective efforts at a time when the party should be preparing for elections.
The CPDM North West leader also stressed the importance of involving young people and women in the party’s political activities. He argued that political parties that fail to strengthen the role of young people and women cannot expect to remain successful in the long term.
Party seeks candidates who can win
The question of who should represent the CPDM in the elections also attracted considerable attention. Philemon Yang said the party was not simply looking for people who were loyal militants or willing to contribute financially. According to him, the party wants candidates who are known, accepted, and capable of attracting voters.
He repeatedly emphasized the importance of popularity. To him, financial strength alone cannot make someone an effective candidate. He reiterated that an aspirant may have the resources to support the party but still fail to win if they lack acceptance among voters.
He therefore advised unpopular militants to think carefully before seeking nomination. The objective, he said, is to ensure that the final list contains candidates with strong grassroots support and a realistic chance of winning on election day.
Gentry outlines qualities expected from aspirants
Prof. Fuh Calistus Gentry, Assistant Head of the CPDM Central Committee Permanent Divisional Delegation for Donga Mantung and Interim Minister of Mines, Industries, and Technological Development, outlined some of the qualities the party is looking for in prospective candidates. He said about 12 criteria had been identified as part of the candidate-selection process.
Prof. Fuh Calistus Gentry likened the process to building a winning team, arguing that the party must identify the strongest candidates and help them improve their political and leadership skills.
Among the requirements, he mentioned acceptability to economic operators, grassroots militants, and traditional rulers. Candidates should also be available, credible, and accountable, he said.
For municipal positions, Prof. Fuh Calistus noted that the responsibilities of mayors have become increasingly complex. He said the party needs mayors with managerial abilities who can design projects, mobilize resources, and oversee development initiatives capable of improving their municipalities.
Parliamentary candidates, he added, must possess a broader understanding of government and public administration. They should be able to engage different ministries and parliamentary commissions to defend the interests of their constituencies.
He also stressed the importance of understanding international affairs, given that elected parliamentarians could serve on committees dealing with foreign affairs, defense, and other national issues. He urged aspirants to verify their eligibility and put community interests ahead of personal ambitions.
Six presentations focused on electoral strategy
The seminar featured six major presentations covering different aspects of the party's preparations. Mrs. Shey Jones Yembe spoke on the imperative of a CPDM landslide victory and why it matters. Justice Mbah Acha Rose examined how the party can secure a landslide victory. Fai Yengo Francis addressed security and the electoral environment, while Ndikum Peter focused on strategies for registering CPDM militants on electoral registers.
Prof. Uphie Chinje Melo spoke on general appeasement and internal reconciliation, highlighting the importance of restoring harmony within the party.
The final presentation, delivered by Prof. Fuh Calistus Gentry, dealt with the profile and attributes required of aspirants for parliamentary and municipal elections.
The presentations were intended to give militants practical tools for voter mobilization, registration, reconciliation, and campaign organization.
For the CPDM leadership in the North West, the message emerging from the seminar was that electoral victory will require more than past achievements. The party must remain organized, reconcile its internal differences, engage young people and women, and put forward candidates who have the confidence and support of voters.
With the elections approaching, the party is now looking to translate those lessons into stronger grassroots mobilization and, ultimately, victories at the polls.
@Laarry Times
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