By Zera Nambu
Allegations of bribery and voter intimidation surfaced at the ENSAN A to Q voting center in Bambili, North West Cameroon during Sunday’s vote, casting a shadow over the election in the area.
Eyewitnesses, including voter Mira (full identity withheld for security reasons), report that ELECAM officials at the polling station were actively soliciting votes, offering 5,000 CFA francs in exchange for supporting a specific candidate.
“It made me sad to see young women taking such little money to vote,” Mira said, adding that she was followed and felt threatened after refusing the offer.
Beyond bribery, some voters also claim to have discovered that their ballots had already been cast upon arrival at the polling station.
Other reported irregularities include restrictions on phone use and a severe understaffing of election officials, with one individual reportedly performing the duties of many.
While ELECAM officials have not responded to inquiries regarding the specific incidents at the ENSAN A to Q center, the electoral body has previously stated its commitment to a free and fair election.
