Responsible Electoral Behaviour Guarantees Peace

Those in search of votes know that their political careers lie in the outcome of the polls. Even those who exercise their civic rights by casting the ballot are being expected to make informed choices that have a direct bearing on their future wellbeing and that of the community where they belong. Apart from these aspects, there are misgivings that can at times envelop the relationship between leaders and the governed are due to unfulfilled promises. Cameroon will this year witness another round of elections; Presidential and Regional.     
Addressing the nation on the occasion of the 59th Youth Day on 10 February, 2025, President Paul Biya could not be indifferent to the growing electoral fever in the country. Evidently, the youth in this era of the social media where everything seems to flourish, especially negativism, there is need to call for caution. In an attempt to garner votes, many might want to build bridges where no rivers exist just to vamoose into thin air once they have their positions. Social media publications have increasingly served as outlets for apocalyptic messages whereby even those at the source of such incendiary literature forget to perceive the eventuality of being caught in the cross-fire. Several elections have come and gone in the country with each one fashioned around the desire to build a democratic spirit among the citizens. That should be the leitmotiv for all those who seek public office. It may not suffice to incite chaos simply because of the desire to be at the fore. After all, no one stands to benefit.     
It is consequently imperative that while the youth, who are of voting age, take advantage to register on the electoral list now that the process is ongoing, they must be able to filter the interfering noises that may be out to distort the messages. This should be through the forging of a sound political and civic culture capable of enabling them to understand the stakes in nation-building. That explains why the Head of State came with the gentle reminder to the youth: «This year, once again, our country will hold important elections. This will afford those of you who meet the legal requirements, the opportunity to freely exercise your civic duty. When the time comes, it will be up to you to make your choice responsibly, in peace and quiet.” Loaded as the advice from Mr Biya is, the youth are certainly faced with complicated choices in a context where making ends meet remains an uphill task. Falling for any cheap propaganda should be the last option for anyone at such a moment.     
Economic hardship, joblessness and the flashy pictures of better life beyond the national borders keep draining the country of its vital population. Parents, families and even the nation has at time looked helplessly as the kids and youth keep thinking of an Eldorado abroad. Even with calls and images of gory treatment reserved for them in foreign land, the temptation to move away has remained very strong. Also, the visible presence of huge work sites that keep surging across the country do not seem to appeal to some youth who incident...