By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) party has urged members of the Central Committee’s Permanent Regional Delegations across all 10 regions to focus on direct, continuous population engagement ahead of the country’s upcoming Legislative and Municipal Elections.
Jean Nkuete, Secretary General of the CPDM Central Committee, delivered the charge Wednesday July 22 during a strategic seminar focused on intensifying electoral preparations. The seminar took place under the theme: “The imperative landslide victory of the CPDM in the Legislative and Municipal Elections: reasons, prerequisites, actions.”
Opening the high-level seminar, Nkuete emphasized the importance of ground-level campaign work. “Close-proximity work and continuous, sustained contact with the population throughout this period of intensified election preparation will help to reinforce trust, build confidence, and deconstruct disinformation,” Nkuete said.
Nkuete noted that political realism requires adapting traditional approaches to help voters navigate complex national issues. He said this strategy will “allow us to properly grasp the depth of social transformations and developments, both nationally and locally,” adding that “we will need to devise solutions equal to the stakes and find more effective arguments to convince voters.”
“This means, dear comrades, intensifying preparations for the upcoming electoral deadlines requires us not only to work hard, but above all, to work seriously, rigorously, methodically, and effectively during the five or six months separating us from the vote—especially by keeping reason above emotion,” he stressed.
Nkuete further stated that key tasks regarding mobilization, supervision, information sharing, and raising awareness on sensitive topics must be settled in the coming months before the formal convening of the electorate and the release of traditional directives from the party’s National President.
Beyond the victory of its candidate, Nkuete said the party demonstrated its ability to face challenges and establish itself as an essential institution for the nation’s development in unity and concord.
“Triumph without peril is to triumph without glory,” Nkuete said, encouraging participants to complete preparations with the goal of securing majorities.
Despite challenging conditions, Nkuete urged members not to succumb to defeatism. He stressed that the party must proudly retain its leadership roles in local councils, regional assemblies, the National Assembly, and the Senate, preparing to defend them with determination, panache, and boldness.
He warned that showing anxiety in front of political challengers poses a key risk, stating that the party’s only fear should be fear itself as it works to maintain stability and leadership. He called on members to maintain a calm and reassuring posture toward grassroots supporters.
“However, the recommended serenity has nothing to do with blindness, vanity, condescension, selfishness, naivety, or recklessness. On the contrary, it implies lucidity, vigilance, foresight, and sagacity in our approach,” Nkuete said.
He indicated that the party must demonstrate realism and pragmatism when addressing local challenges, framing the CPDM as the primary instrument of peace supporting the actions of the head of state.
Nkuete also noted that 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Central Committee’s permanent regional delegations across the country’s 10 regions. He offered a positive assessment of their decade-long track record, noting that the delegations have played a crucial role in strengthening party organization, discipline, and effectiveness.
After the meeting, public attention remained directed toward the prolonged absence of National President of the CPDM from the country for which the party officials remind mute.
In response to growing public discussion surrounding the issue before the meeting, CPDM officials have been defending the President’s absence, pointing out that the constitution does not set a limit on how many days a president can remain abroad. Party scribes maintained that Biya continues to govern and issue directives remotely.
