By Boris Esono Nwenfor
The African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) have jointly described Cameroon’s October 12 presidential election as “peaceful, orderly, and in line with democratic principles,” even as widespread allegations of fraud continue to dominate public discourse.
In a joint preliminary report released on October 14, 2025, the two organisations commended the country’s Elections Management Body, ELECAM, for what they termed “professionalism and diligence” in organising the polls. They also praised the security forces for maintaining calm and order across the national territory throughout the voting process.
According to the observer mission, made up of 36 officials who visited 228 polling stations across all ten regions, the election “took place in a generally transparent and well-organised manner.”
The mission, however, acknowledged a low voter turnout in several areas, estimated by various sources at between 38 and 45 per cent. It also urged Cameroon to consider adopting a single ballot paper system to simplify the voting process, reduce confusion, and minimise opportunities for fraud.
“The election was conducted peacefully, with respect for democratic values and citizen participation,” the report stated, calling the exercise “a reflection of Cameroon’s political maturity.”
Despite the glowing assessment, the AU–ECCAS statement has been met with strong criticism, with many accusing the observer missions of ignoring glaring irregularities and downplaying credible evidence of fraud circulating widely on social media.
Videos and images purportedly showing ballot stuffing, missing names on voter rolls, and altered result sheets have been shared across online platforms, fueling scepticism about the credibility of the election outcome.
Opposition figures have dismissed the observers’ conclusions as “premature” and “politically convenient.” One opposition party official in Douala described the AU and ECCAS report as “a diplomatic endorsement of electoral injustice.”
All eyes now shift to Cameroon’s Constitutional Council, which is responsible for verifying and proclaiming the final results of the election. Civil society observers and political parties have urged the Constitutional Council to ensure full transparency in its work and to publish detailed results by polling station.
International watchdogs have also called for calm as the post-election process unfolds, warning that perceptions of bias or manipulation could undermine confidence in democratic institutions.
While the AU and ECCAS continue to describe the 2025 vote as “a resounding success,” many Cameroonians say the final judgment will depend not on observer reports, but on whether the official results truly reflect the will of the people.
