The Bali electoral district of the Social Democratic Front party (SDF) has held its first district conference since 2016, when the crisis in the English-speaking Regions started.
SDF militants in Bali converged on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, to deliberate on their return to the local political scene.
The governing Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has, since 2016, enjoyed political monopoly in the area, winning all elections by default.
The return of the SDF in the locality, described by the SDF’s local leader Moses Babila as the “dawn of the new era,” signals political competition in Bali during next year’s presidential elections.
“I couldn’t imagine this massive turnout, considering the circumstances of the time,” said Moses Babila, SDF District Chairman for Bali.
Sounding optimistic, he said, “It has been eight years and counting that the SDF party has been silent in Bali due to the ongoing Anglophone Crisis that all of us know. For you all to have braved the odds to be here today shows your dedication and commitment to the party.”
Former Mayor, Nyamsekwen Christopher, expressed confidence saying, “With the renewed enthusiasm I have witnessed here today, the CPDM will be quashed in any future elections.”
The party is gradually returning to the crisis-plagued North West Region as elections are approaching.
During National Day celebrations on May 20, 2024, the SDF staged a spectacular comeback in Mbengwi, Momo Division, taking part in the march past for the first time since 2016.
The party also had a significant turnout in Buea on National Day as well.
