Voting in presidential election proceeded peacefully and without major incident across the North West Region on Sunday, October 12, as thousands of citizens turned out to cast their ballots in what observers described as a calm and orderly exercise.
From Bamenda to Nkambe, Kumbo, Mbengwi, Wum and beyond, polling stations opened early in the morning and welcomed voters steadily throughout the day. Security forces maintained a visible but non-intrusive presence, and election officials reported that materials and personnel arrived on time in most areas.
Despite concerns raised before the polls, the turnout was encouraging, with local administrative authorities praising citizens for their civic responsibility. In some localities, polling ended earlier than scheduled and in areas like Bafut the vote started late because of security concerns . As part of broader safety measures, several polling stations were clustered into larger polling centres to ensure adequate protection and monitoring of the proces
In Bamenda, the regions largest city, long queues formed as voters patiently waited to cast their ballots. Across rural areas of Bui, Menchum, and Donga Mantung, the atmosphere was equally positive, with many residents expressing hope that their participation would contribute to peace and development.
Like ordinary citizens, Minister Felix Mbayu, President of the CPDM Mezam Divisional Campaign Team, cast his vote in his home neighbourhood of Old Town, while Philemon Yang, President of the CPDM North West Regional Campaign Committee, voted at the Government Primary School in Upstation, Bamenda I Subdivision.
The vote capped an intense campaign season during which the ruling CPDM party focused its message on peace, unity, and continuity under President Paul Biya. Opposition parties also appealed to voters with promises of political reform and improved governance.
As polls closed and counting began, local authorities commended the population for maintaining calm and exercising patience throughout the electoral process. Results are expected to be announced by the Constitutional Council in the coming days.
Jude Viban
