The long-awaited voter registration for the 2024 elections in Cameroon finally came to a close. According to the Director of Elections, registrations closed this Saturday, August 31, at precisely 2:00 PM local time, marking the end to an important phase in the electoral calendar.
Final Push by Political Parties
The big political parties are spotted making efforts to register the maximum number of people who come under the eligible list of voters before the date of registration. In fact, all major political parties across the country mobilize citizens, especially those 20 years and above, so that they are registered before the cutoff. They used door-to-door campaigns, leaflet distributions, and a strong presence across media and digital platforms.
The aim was unmistakable-to make the participation of voters as high as possible in what was largely expected to be a critical moment in Cameroon politics. Evidently, the parties’ efforts seem to be paying off since over 7 million Cameroonians have been reportedly registered to vote by the electoral body.
Legislative Extension and Forthcoming Election
This year’s voter registration drive has been particularly important after Cameroonian lawmakers voted in July to extend their mandate by a year. The move in the legislature essentially delayed elections that had been planned for early 2025 and added an extra layer of complexity to the upcoming electoral process.
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These will include 89-year-old incumbent President Paul Biya, who has been in office for over four decades, taking part in the 2024 presidential election. Opposition leaders Maurice Kamto and Cabral Libii are expected to stand against Biya in what is likely to be a fiercely contested election.
With the 2024 elections drawing nearer by the day, Cameroon has come to another fork in the road. With more than 7 million registered voters, the country stands ready to decide the direction of the election. Political observers in the country will be on high alert as the campaign season unfurls up until probably one of the most crucial elections in recent Cameroonian history.
