Regional Elections: MINAT Hails Peaceful, Serene, Transparent Conduct

By Doh Bertrand Nua 

Territorial Administration Minister has hailed the conduct of the Sunday 6 December 2020 first-ever Regional Elections nationwide. Speaking during a press briefing at the Ministry yesterday evening, Atanga Nji Paul said the polls unfolded in a “serene, calm and peaceful atmosphere”.

MINAT boss, Atanga Nji, evaluating regional elections conduct 

The MINAT disclosed that there was no incident recorded that could “cast doubt on the credibility of the polls or sincerity of the results from the ballot box given the “optimum security” that the ministry through administrative authorities, provided to officials of Elections Cameroon (ELECAM).

“As a matter of fact, no local election will ever raise such enthusiasm and passion. The reason is simple; the election of Regional Councillors today has come to complete the setting up of institutions provided for by the Constitution of our country. This election will bring the administration closer to the people and guarantee to each Region close development in the sense that citizens, at all levels, sit in Regional Councils and participate effectively from the base in constructing our common destiny,” Atanga said.

Reporters at the press briefing 

He used the briefing to hail President Biya for convening the polls and for providing all the needed means to election stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free election. 

He stated that the successful holding of the polls will speed up the implementation of the decentralization process and will guarantee development and equal opportunities to regions as well as establish the Special Status and the House of Chiefs, an exclusive specificity for the two Anglophone regions.

He urged winners to solicit the competence of the losers and for the latter to exercise good faith by putting the interest of Cameroon above any personal or partisan interest. He added that polls has shown the maturity of Cameroonians, as masters of their destiny by demonstrating more than ever before, that political legitimacy is obtained through the ballot box and by street protests or on social media.

Atanga Nji said the election of Regional Councillors is a landmark achievement that shows a bright future for Cameroon in the mandate of Greater Opportunities under the enlightened leadership of the tireless builder, Paul Biya.

A total of 10 236 municipal councillors and 14 002 traditional rulers took part in the polls to select 700 councillors and 200 traditional rulers nationwide in 272 polling stations. The election was monitored by 3457 national and international observers accredited by MINAT and unfolded in strict respect of COVID-19 barrier measures.