No Child Should Be a Political Target: The Ugly Truth Behind Cameroon’s Elections – Opinion

Political figures in Cameroon and their families already face unique risks related to their public role, including safety concerns and scrutiny of their private lives and those of their children.

Their lives and those of their families are already experiencing considerable strain from their political disagreements and the challenges of navigating public life.

Political figures and their families may be targeted with threats, harassment, or even violence due to their positions.

Children of politicians may experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges due to the pressures of public life.

Media outlets can be encouraged to report responsibly on political figures and their families, avoiding sensationalism and protecting their privacy.

Even with the present electoral malpractices within ELECAM taking place in our country, where acceptable norms and principles that confer credibility on elections are desecrated, we should refrain from threatening the lives of ministers and political opponents’ children in any way or form.

ELECAM, which should be an independent body overseeing elections in our country, has again lost any credibility it had to manage and run elections in Cameroon.

They are now an arm of the government involved in election duplicity, falsehood, manipulation, and cheating by any means they can deploy.

Elecam has become an arm of the ‘illegalities committed by government officials responsible for the conduct of elections, the ruling party, and groups or individuals with sinister intentions to influence the election in favour of the candidate President Biya, who has been seen in public for close to a year.

These malpractices are all against the legal framework of Elecam and related to preference formation and centred on electoral administration. Electoral malpractice must no longer be tolerated, as it is antithetical to democracy and will have a regressive effect on the quality of democracy in our country. Cameroonians should no longer accept or condone such practices.

 The malpractices by this government and Elecam, including the use of rigging, massive financial influence, violence against citizens and political adversaries, and others, are unbridled and have resulted in threats against individuals.

Politicians in Cameroon are increasingly using all means, including unfair tactics, to seize power during elections. The electioneering language is increasingly becoming inciting and violent, with fewer restraints and consideration.

There is the notion that this election is a war, and only President Biya’s team and ELECAM are the best strategists.

 Those who might win or lose are treated as enemies of the government or the opposition and have threatened family members’ lives.

This practice and phenomenon are unacceptable and should be discouraged.

Our politicians are quick to catch on to these lapses, which they cannot absolve themselves of helping to create in the first place.

No Cameroonian, irrespective of who you are or from what family you are from, should have to be threatened in this manner.

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About the Author: Tanyi Charles Mambo is a London-based entrepreneur and community leader. He has a strong background in Cameroonian politics. He is also a regular commentator on politics, UK health and social care, business and culture.

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Disclaimer

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of MMI. This opinion piece aims to generate public discourse and promote critical reflection on governance and democratic accountability in Cameroon. MMI does not endorse any political party or candidate and strives to uphold journalistic integrity, freedom of expression, and responsibility.