Beyond the Ballot Box: What's Next for Cameroon's Northwest Region?
The Northwest Region of Cameroon, under special status, saw about 1,494 electors participate in voting across its seven divisions to elect divisional representatives and traditional rulers.
Of these, 1,005 municipal councillors elected their divisional representatives,
while 489 traditional rulers cast their ballots for their peers. The elections, which took place on November 30, 2025, will determine 70 divisional representatives for the house of Divisional Representatives and 20 traditional rulers for the House of Chiefs.
According to Northwest Regional Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique, the process was generally calm. He commended ELECAM (Elections Cameroon) for the smooth and orderly conduct of the elections.
Mbowoh Elvis, the Northwest Regional Delegate for ELECAM, confirmed that no major issues were reported that could compromise the integrity of the ballot. The results will be transmitted from local polling commissions to the regional supervisory commission, which has 72 hours to announce the results.
Mezam Division
In Mezam Division, encompassing Bamenda I, II, and III, Bafut, Bali, Santa, and Tubah, electors voted for a single CPDM list of 18 divisional representatives. The candidates included Gordon Chebelem Anyelle, Shundale Marceline Ayu-Nbi, Benyella Godwin Tafoang, Nanjoh Josephine Nahnyonga, Befere Godlove Ajah, Bamu Max Atanga, Angwafo III Fru Fobuzshi, Gladys Lum Wamucho, Chinda Robert Ndofeke, Hanza Jibirin Danpullo, Nganteh Ngoh Martin, Habiba Dahiru, Paul Folloh Mbah, Chou Clifford Fonjindam, Muluh Alfred Muluhtak Wi, Ghejung A Wunti, Mairiama Amadu and Tibatim Cyprain Asogho.
Polling Station A: Out of 129 registered voters, 125 votes were valid, with 10 null ballots and 115 votes in favor of the CPDM.
Polling Station B: Out of 92 registered voters, 89 votes were valid, with 7 null ballots and 82 votes for the CPDM.
For the traditional rulers' vote, 35 Fons voted for a list of 3 Fons grouped under two separate lists: one headed by Fon VIYUOH NELSON SHETEH and the other by Fon GANYONGA III DOH. Fon VIYUOH NELSON SHETEH's list received 17 votes, while Fon GANYONGA III DOH's list received 13.
Boyo Division
Voting in Boyo Division, specifically in Fundong, concluded peacefully, with 86 out of 108 municipal councilors casting their ballots. Local administrators reported a calm and incident-free process.
Momo Division
Momo Division saw strong participation from councilors and traditional rulers across its five subdivisions. All 124 councilors successfully voted, expressing confidence in the newly elected representatives to drive development.
Menchum Division
Polling station officials noted effective voting in Menchum Division, with impressive voter participation. Over 160 voters were approved to participate in the elections.
Background and Context
These regional elections are part of a broader effort to decentralize power in Cameroon, especially in the English-speaking regions where separatist movements have been active. The first regional elections were held in 2020, with the CPDM securing a majority in nine of the ten regions. Under the new system, regional bodies will be responsible for economic, health, social, educational, sports, and cultural development. The central government is expected to transfer some powers to the regions, including the ability to recruit hospital staff and teachers and build infrastructure.
The Northwest Region awaits the official results, anticipating the installation of members of the Regional Assembly and the House of Chiefs for their second term.
By Bamenjo Petronilla