Multi-Stakeholder Consultative Platform UN Technical Assistance to the 2025–2027 Electoral Cycle in Cameroon

Multi-Stakeholder Consultative Platform

UN Technical Assistance to the 2025–2027 Electoral Cycle in Cameroon

Mbankomo, 26 June 2025 – From 25 to 26 June 2025, stakeholders in Cameroon’s electoral process convened in Mbankomo to deliberate on the theme: “Safeguarding Electoral Integrity and Preventing Risks for Peaceful, Inclusive and Transparent Elections in Cameroon (2025–2026).” The Multi-Stakeholder Consultative Platforms brought together over 150 leaders from political parties, civil society organizations, traditional and religious authorities, independent institutions, and government institutions. 

After the opening plenary session by Dr. Enow Abrams Egbe, President of ELECAM, and H.E. Abdou Abarry, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), in the presence of Dr. Issa Sanogo, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cameroon, stakeholders engaged in thematic breakout discussions, focusing on:

• Electoral transparency, trust-building, and the resolution of electoral disputes, discussed by the group of government ministries and independent institutions.
• Civic and voter participation, including recruitment and deployment of party/candidate representatives during elections, discussed by the group of political parties.
• Inclusion of women, youth, persons with disabilities, minorities, and marginalized groups, discussed by civil society organizations.
• Media and information integrity, including strategies to combat disinformation, discussed by the groups of political parties.
• Protection of electoral integrity through risk assessment and mitigation strategies, discussed by government ministries and independent institutions.

These discussions aimed to promote continuous and constructive dialogue among electoral stakeholders before, during, and after the electoral cycle. Participants underscored the importance of inclusivity in election participation and the critical role of stakeholders in supporting peaceful and transparent elections.

At the close of the platform, stakeholders presented the outcomes of their breakout group work in a final plenary session. This restitution session served as a space for feedback, convergence of ideas, and reaffirmation of shared commitments. It also marked the formal conclusion of the Multi-Stakeholder Consultative Platform.

The chairpersons expressed their satisfaction with the constructive commitment and democratic dialogue engaged by the stakeholders. “This Multi-Stakeholder Platform reflects our collective commitment to dialogue, transparency, and peace. Together, we have the duty to create the conditions for inclusive, credible, and risk-free elections in Cameroon. ELECAM is pleased to lead this collaborative effort in line with our democratic responsibilities. I sincerely commend all stakeholders for their constructive spirit and commitment throughout these two days of discussion. Let us now build on this momentum by deepening voter education, strengthening participation, and ensuring every citizen can vote with confidence in 2025." Dr. Enow Abrams Egbe, President, Elections Cameroon.

“This Multi-Stakeholder Platform is not an end but a step toward open, inclusive, and sustained dialogue. Safeguarding electoral integrity and preventing risks is a shared responsibility that demands unity, civic duty, and patriotism. I commend all stakeholders for their active engagement, thoughtful contributions, and spirit of partnership during this platform. Now is the time to act, to put into practice the ideas shared, promote responsible discourse, and an enabling environment for inclusive, peaceful, and credible elections. H.E. Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Africa (UNOCA).

Participants expressed strong support for sustained engagement, ongoing collaboration, and inclusive participation throughout the electoral cycle. "Such a consultative platform is an important initiative because it offers a space for open dialogue." Mme. Cyrille Rolande Bechon, civil society representative.

“This workshop has shown ELECAM’s strong commitment, with the support of the United Nations, for peaceful, free, and transparent elections in our country. We worked in a convivial atmosphere with freedom of expression. We look forward to the implementation of the recommendations made." Hon. Koupit Adamou, Member of Parliament

“This has been a very important meeting because it brought together stakeholders from different sectors and allowed them to voice their concerns. The facilitators provided us with the space that allowed open reflection on what is not working well and what can be improved, which permitted us to provide concrete recommendations. I am especially pleased that persons with disabilities, women, and youth, often left out, were brought to the table." Prof. Joyce Endeley, Advocate for Inclusive Participation. 

The meeting was convened by Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), with the support of United Nations Cameroon, under Component One of the Project for UN Technical Assistance to the 2025–2027 Electoral Cycle in Cameroon.

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