CAMEROON: Ghost Towns and Ghost Votes: The Reality of Elections in Anglophone Cameroon

The violence in the Anglophone regions has been marked by systematic abuses by both government forces and separatist groups. Reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch document killings, disappearances, and other human rights violations committed by the Cameroonian military during counter-insurgency operations. 

These actions have led to mass displacement, with many residents fleeing their homes to escape the violence.

The displacement of civilians has created a significant barrier to electoral participation. Many of those who have fled the conflict zones are unable to return to their communities to vote, and the ongoing insecurity discourages others from attempting to exercise their democratic rights.The Cameroonian government has been accused of exploiting the crisis to manipulate electoral outcomes in the Anglophone regions. During the 2018 presidential election, separatist groups declared "ghost towns," effectively shutting down public life on election day. This created a situation where polling stations were largely deserted, yet the government declared overwhelming victories for the ruling party in these areas.Such outcomes raise serious questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process. When polling stations are empty, yet results are announced showing significant support for the ruling party, it suggests that the process is neither free nor fair. This pattern of behavior undermines the credibility of elections and reflects a broader strategy by the government to maintain power despite widespread discontent.The lack of voter turnout in the Anglophone regions will be interpreted as a silent referendum on the government in power. The inability or unwillingness of the government to address the root causes of the Anglophone Crisis, coupled with its reliance on military force and electoral manipulation, has eroded trust among the population. By staying away from the polls, residents are expressing their disillusionment with a system that they perceive as unresponsive and oppressive.The ongoing conflict in Cameroon's Anglophone regions has created a climate of fear and displacement that undermines the democratic process. The government's actions, including its handling of elections, suggest a deliberate effort to suppress dissent and maintain control. The low voter turnout in these regions is a powerful indictment of the government's legitimacy and a call for meaningful political reform to address the grievances of the Anglophone population.