Massive Rigging/Irregularities Mars SDF District Elections

- Fru Ndi Dumbfounded; His Hands Tied

With municipal and legislative elections postponed to next year, politicking has been of less concern to many Cameroonians. Yet, within the opposition Social Democratic Front, SDF, there has been action. SDF has been more active given that its elective ordinary convention holds in October this year. Already, the party’s electoral districts are being re-organized. The exercise has been more intriguing given the notion that who ever becomes District Chairman would have a major say in the upcoming municipal/legislative elections. But contrary to Ni John Fru Ndi, the SDF national Chairman’s prescriptions, the democratic exercise has been waylaid. Crestfallen by the varied outcomes, Chronicle learnt that Fru Ndi has been mute.

Whether in Bamenda I or II, Bafut, Tubah in Mezam division or far-off Mbengwi in Momo division, Chronicle gathered that the elections have been disastrous. In Bamenda I, just as Bamenda II, the elections were pushed ahead, after the initial scheduling brought out no credible victor.

Scared by the spectre of being tagged for criticizing the CPDM or living in a glasshouse, yet throwing stones, Chronicle learnt that most of the district elections have had to be shelved.

In Bamenda I, just as Bamenda II, reports hold that the elections were a façade. Most of those who were projected as candidates fro the District Chairmanship, were either sponsored by prospective mayors, councilors or parliamentary aspirants. Bamenda I however settled to retain the incumbent, Joseph Achou.

For Bamenda II, there was a lot of drama. Incumbent Garba, there was a lot of drama. Incumbent Garba Oumarou was challenged by varied candidates. This was where the fight as to who becomes the nest member of parliament and Mayor for Bamenda II was intense. The rigging here, was intense.

According to reports, most delegates had their consciences bought-over by identified postulants. Money, allegedly changed hands. Some SDF militants were said to have been spotted voting as much as four times. And by the end of the day, there was total deadlock.

The inability to produce a district chairman for Bamenda II, Chronicle learnt was later referred to the National Executive Committee to decide.

There were varied electoral anomalies recorded in Santa, which saw a new district chairman. Tubah, where Martin Tanjong re-surfaced and Bafut were Fusi Naamukong outwitted incumbent Barrister Ben Suh Nfor and Barrister Eric Taniform. The scenario, Chronicle learnt was so undemocratic so much that a petition has been tabled requesting the annulment of the elections.

Even the case in Mbengwi, where Mme Edua was retained raised some doubts. Ni Ambo Julien, eyeing the parliamentary seat told Chronicle that all was not transparent. Hon PC Fonso whitewashed journalists Teche Nyamusa with a difference of nearly 200 votes to be retained as the Mbengwi district secretary.

The ongoing SDF district elections have been seen by commentators as an avante garde for next year’s legislative/municipal primaries. (affair a suivre…)