Rumour mongers and harbingers of doom were put out of business following the exceptional participation of Cameroonians at Sunday’s presidential polls and which international observers have applauded.
Opinions have been differing on the turnout of voters in the October 7 polls but from field echoes, participation was good and the atmosphere generally serene.
Statistics are yet to be known as far as the participation of the electorate in the Sunday presidential polls is concerned. But there is no doubt that Cameroonians in a show of maturity came out in their numbers to elect the person who will rule the State for a seven year term. In all ten regions of the country, supporters of the various political outfits showed up at polling stations and centres to cast their votes with reports revealing that the activity was done in calm and serene. According to information from the Elections organsing body Elecam, in prelude to the election, there was an increase in the number of registered voters, a sign of willingness to participate in the important history making moment of the country.
So far, it can be stated that the turnout was remarkable. Even in the restive North West and South West regions, Cameroonians portrayed an extraordinary sense of patriotism, putting behind threats on their lives by separatists and voting. In Misaje for instance, the turnout was outstanding even likened to that of 2011 as the people refused to succumb to intimidation and came out in their numbers. Still in the North West in Santa, militants of the CPDM made a show of force, defying boycott orders given by ghosts. In the South West, despite the attempts made by terrorists to disrupt the voting process in some localities, Cameroonians seeking a return to normalcy proved their loyalty to the State by casting their ballots accordingly. Even if the elections didn’t hold in the two Anglophone regions as wished by separatists, would it not be irrational to over look the turnout in the other eight regions?
Nonetheless, Cameroonians at home and abroad showed their love for country and patiently await the proclamation of results by the Constitutional Council, which according to the Electoral Code comes 15 days after voting.