By Daniel D.
Former presidential hopeful Akere Muna has suggested that the Cameroon government is in a state of panic due to the massive registration on the electoral register.
In a tweet on his X handle, the international lawyer hinged his concerns on a recent statement by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, who stated that Cameronians should not be compelled to register on the electoral list.
“In certain countries, voting is even obligatory. For a government to spread a message that dissuades citizens from getting on the voter register is simply unheard of,” Barrister Akere stated.
On May 2, Minister Atanga Nji met with the Board Chair of Elections Cameroon, Enow Abrams Egbe, and the Director General of Elecam, Eric Essousse, at his MINAT office.
Discussions centered on the progress of voter registration in the country, with over 7 million people enrolled.
After the meeting, Minister Atanga Nji commended Elecam officials for their efforts but reiterated that registration is optional.
He emphasized that the government cannot compel people to register or to vote.
“It is not superfluous to specify that registration on the electoral lists is not mandatory. It is therefore not possible to force people out of their homes or use pressure of any kind to force them to register on the electoral lists,” the Minister’s statement read.
Akere Muna interpreted this as a sign that the government is not pleased with the turnout for registration.
“If anyone was looking for signs of the effect the massive nationwide drive for voter registration is producing, the Minister has just provided one for the world to see. FULL PANIC.
“As a responsible citizen, it is your civic duty to actively engage in the democratic process. Registering to vote is an important step in fulfilling that duty,” Akere added, reaffirming the importance of citizen participation in elections.
Akere Muna vowed to continue encouraging citizens to register, emphasizing the upcoming presidential, municipal, and legislative elections scheduled for next year.
Political actors have been urging citizens to register en masse to bring about the change they desire.
Akere Muna, who ran as a presidential candidate in the 2018 elections, has not yet indicated whether he will contest in the upcoming elections.
However, his advocacy for increased voter registration reflects his commitment to democratic participation and accountability in Cameroon.
