In Cameroon’s Election, Social Media Is Both a Megaphone and a Minefield

By Neh Elad

BUEA, Cameroon – As Cameroon prepares to head to the polls on October 12, 2025, political campaigning has taken on a distinctly modern tone. Gone are the days when candidates relied solely on traditional rallies, posters, and radio jingles to reach the electorate. This year, Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube have become the new political battlegrounds.

From catchy videos to live debates, candidates are taking their campaigns directly to the screens of millions of voters, particularly the youth, who make up the country’s largest voting bloc. This digital shift has opened up new opportunities for direct communication, allowing political figures to interact with the public in real-time, share manifestos, and rally supporters. Yet, it has also raised serious concerns about fake news, manipulated content, and digital propaganda.

One of the most visible faces in this new wave of online politics is Hermine Patricia Tomaïno Ndam Njoya, the only female presidential candidate cleared by ELECAM for the 2025 race. As head of the Union Démocratique du Cameroun (UDC) and Mayor of Foumban, Ndam Njoya has positioned herself as a reformist voice. Through her official website and vibrant social media pages, she champions messages of justice, integrity, and national unity.

Another candidate effectively leveraging social platforms is Cabral Libii, head of the Parti Camerounais pour la Réconciliation Nationale (PCRN). Known for his energetic digital presence, Libii frequently hosts live Facebook sessions and posts short TikTok-style videos addressing national concerns. Using hashtags such as #Cabral2025, he continues to promote his message of “reconciling Cameroon” and building a new generation of leaders.

For many young Cameroonians, social media has become a key source of political engagement and information. “At times I usually follow candidates on Facebook and TikTok, some explain their thoughts while others argue or post flash videos, so I just try to fact-check before believing anything,” said 23-year-old Katherine Emil, a would-be voter.

Another student, Besong, shared a similar sentiment: “At least social media helps us get to the candidates. It helps us to listen and even see them.”

However, experts warn that while social media has democratized access to political information, it has also created fertile ground for misinformation. As Cameroon prepares for a pivotal vote on October 12, social media has already played a defining role in shaping narratives, building support, and at times spreading confusion.

Whether it becomes a genuine tool for democratic change or a weapon of manipulation will depend on how wisely both candidates and voters use it in the final hours.