Cameroonians had for the last hours been visiting their various polling stations to vote in the just ended municipal and legislative
While voting went on smoothly in the French-speaking regions of the country, that was not the case in the embattled South West and North West regions.
The voting took place within the context of a weeklong lockdown imposed on the two regions by Ambazonian separatists.
The general turnout was timid as residents stayed indoors for fear of the unknown.
In Bamenda, a majority of voters turned up at the Government Primary School Old Town and Up Station. Voters were also present in some of the most secured parts of town where several government officials cast their ballots.
In the Donga Mantung Division visited by North West Governor, Adolphe Lele L’Afrique, few voters could be spotted in the polling station where security was reinforced.
Voters turned up at the polling stations in Nkambe Town, Nwa, Ako, Ndu and Mesaje.
In the South West Region, polling stations in areas such as Buea, Limbe, Mutengene and parts of Lebialem that were heavily guarded, witnessed a turnout of voters.
The atmosphere in Kumba however was a mixed one, as gunshots rocked parts of the town in the morning and a couple of hours to the close of the polls.
Within the current context, many have expressed fears regarding the safety of those that took part in the elections, bearing in mind that the security forces will not always be there to protect them.
Following the 2018 presidential elections, some persons were attacked by Ambazonian fighters for taking part in the process. Many fear a similar action may be taken after today’s elections.
Mimi Mefo Info
