As Cameroon approaches the pivotal 2025 elections, the urgency for reflection among its voters has never been greater. The Regional Adviser for the Cameroon National Youth Council (CNYC) for the South West Region, N. Ernest Nkengafric, has issued a clarion call for citizens to critically assess the past 43 years under the same leadership and envision a future filled with hope and real change.
Nkengafric challenges voters to consider who they will support in the upcoming election. With over four decades of a single presidency, it is essential for citizens to reflect on the achievements—or lack thereof—of their government. He urges voters to evaluate their own regions, divisions, and subdivisions, asking poignant questions about access to basic necessities such as roads, water, electricity, and healthcare services.
The importance of accountability resonates throughout Nkengafric’s message. He questions whether voters should continue to support a regime that has neglected their basic needs for nearly half a century. This inquiry into accountability is particularly pressing as many regions in the country remain underserved and overlooked.
Taking the South West Region as a case study, Nkengafric highlights the dire circumstances faced by voters. For instance, can a reasonable citizen from Lebialem, an area lacking in basic amenities, still support a government that has failed to provide for them? Similarly, he emphasizes the situation in Ndian, a resource-rich division where inadequate infrastructure has stifled development. How can informed voters there endorse a government that has failed to capitalize on their natural wealth?
The regional headquarters of Fako also merits attention. Nkengafric questions why citizens would choose to continue supporting a government that has promised yet failed to improve essential infrastructure, including the Tiko Airport and deep seaports. The message is unmistakable: voters must hold their leaders accountable for their past actions and inactions.
As election day draws near, Nkengafric reminds voters to consider the practical challenges they face. The lack of access to polling stations due to poor roads, combined with inadequate electricity and water supply, significantly hinders voter participation. He stresses that these everyday struggles should serve as a reminder of the urgent need for change.
At the heart of Nkengafric’s message is a call for institutional reform. He argues that voting is not merely about selecting individuals; it is about choosing to support institutions that promote good governance and societal progress. Good institutions can shape the character of leaders and regulate governance positively, while broken ones perpetuate poor leadership.
In a powerful conclusion, Nkengafric challenges opposition candidates for the 2025 presidential election to demonstrate their commitment to the youth of Cameroon. He urges them to address the plight of over 200 Cameroonian youths currently trapped abroad, as a true measure of their dedication to resolving the pressing issues facing the nation’s young people.
As Cameroonians prepare to make their voices heard in the upcoming elections, the message is clear: this is an opportunity to redefine their future and ensure a better life for all. The 2025 elections represent more than just a choice; they are a chance to break free from stagnation and embrace a path toward progress and hope. The time for reflection is now, and the stakes have never been higher.
By Eyongeta Eyong
