PICAM’S APPEAL TO CAMEROONIANS TO REGISTER TO VOTE

"VOTING IS BOTH A RIGHT AND A RESPONSIBILITY"

1.         Specific Recognitions

• The high degree of voters’ disenfranchisement in Cameroon today is caused by decades of elections irregularities.

• Most Cameroonians have completely lost faith in the electoral system to the point where they do not belief that their votes matter anymore.

• The justifiable distrust by Cameroonians of the government’s handling of the electoral process is to blame for the pervasiveness of voter apathy across the country.

• The Presidential Degree creating Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) is flawed and the appointment of members of the ruling CPDM party to head this institution is troubling.

• Cameroon Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CCDHR) fully understands and appreciates the critical role that voter registration plays in allowing citizens participation in the ‘Democratic Process’ of their country.

2.         Appeal and Importance of Voter Registration

CCDHR is appealing to all Cameroonians yet to register to vote, to do so as soon as possible. Voting is one of the fundamental elements of the democratic process and voter registration provides every eligible citizen, the opportunity to be able to determine their choice of government whether at the local level (municipal elections), at the national level (Presidential elections), and in the selection of their representatives to the National Assembly (Parliamentary Elections).

CCDHR notes that voter registration is the starting point in the process of democratic change in any society. Conversely, the legitimacy of the process will be called into question if there are problems with voter registration - particularly with the integrity of the voters’ registry; the timely issuance of voter cards; the timely publication of voters’ lists; the certainty of polling stations; and an effective mechanism for resolving problems with the voter registration process.

For Cameroonians to exercise their democratic right to vote, there must be a comprehensive and inclusive electoral register, which must be carefully and transparently maintained to ensure that each eligible Cameroonian is registered to vote once only. Each eligible registered voter must be guaranteed the right to cast a ballot during election and have that vote counted towards the determination of election result. CCDHR recognizes that voter registration in Cameroon has been plagued by serious irregularities in the past, and calls on the Government of Cameroon to ensure transparency in the ongoing voter registration process.

3.         Voting as a Right and a Responsibility of each Cameroonian

The ability to vote is one of the most cherished constitutional and human rights of all citizens. The act of voting in election provides an important avenue to us to voice our opinions regarding electoral candidates and proposed governance policies. The act of voting also gives us some element of control over our future through the election of leaders who best reflect our views and values. By not registering to vote, we inadvertently give away our right and ability to influence overall government policies and those elected to public offices.

CCDHR notes that voting is not only our right, but also our responsibility as citizens of Cameroon. Although no one is under any legal obligation to vote, voting is a fundamental responsibility of every citizen and should be exercised as often as the opportunity presents itself. It is incumbent upon all Cameroonians to ensure that they do not surrender to others the decision to elect those who get into public offices and make decisions on issues that affect them. In addition, massive participation at elections is an effective way of deterring election fraud; making the rigging process more strenuous; and hold the government accountable when the overwhelming voice of the people has been ostensibly rigged.

4.         Specific Appeal to all Democratic Stakeholders in Cameroon

CCDHR recognizes that change occurs because people step-up and take part in the democratic process in their communities and their country. CCDHR is therefore calling on the civil society, political parties, the government, and the press and media to continue to enlighten Cameroonians on the critical importance of their participation in the electoral process. They should educate and regularly update the public about the electoral process, where to register to vote, how to register to vote, how voter cards are issued, and where to report concerns about the voter registration process. The civil society should highlight and criticize problems with the ongoing voter registration process; the media should identify and publicize voter registration irregularities; and political parties should ensure that their militants do not only register to vote, but also get their voter registration cards.

To ensure a fair voter registration process, CCDHR is specifically requesting the Government of Cameroon to do the following:

1. Ensure that all voter registration is conducted by lawful authorities.

2. Educate and provide regular public updates about the electoral process.

3. Ensure that all Cameroonians who want to register to vote are able to do so.

4. Ensure that eligible voters are only issued one voter card per registered voter.

5. Ensure that the names of all registered voters are included in the voter registry.

6. Ensure that voter cards are sent to the correct collection point of the registered voter.

7. Ensure that the names of registered voters are placed on the voter register of the polling centers where they registered to vote so as to avoid Election Day confusion.

5.         Conclusion

Cameroonians are fundamentally indifferent to elections and understandably so because of lack of trust in the electoral system. However, we must understand that indifference is the very element that is relied on for electoral malfeasance. Voter apathy makes election fraud much easier and traps Cameroon’s chances for democracy in a recurring cycle of fraud and dictatorship. Cameroonians must take control of their democratic future and show commitment to democratic transformation in general and electoral participation in particular, beginning with massive voter registration as this will put pressure on the electoral body and officials to do the right thing. While we can rely on outside support to our democratic efforts, democratization is not something that will be handed to us on a plate, we as Cameroonians must demand and fight for it ourselves.

Done this day, October 4, 2010.

Presented on behalf of CCDHR,

Eric NGONJI NJUNGWE.

President/Executive Director.

Cameroon  Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CCDHR).

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