As Cameroon inches closer to its much-anticipated 2025 presidential elections, conversations are heating up—not only around candidates but around what they plan to do if elected. One term that consistently resurfaces in campaign periods, yet remains widely misunderstood or ignored, is the campaign manifesto.
What is a Campaign Manifesto?
A campaign manifesto is a public declaration of a political candidate's or party’s policies and intentions. It spells out what they plan to do, how they will do it, and why voters should believe them. From promises about youth employment, infrastructure, healthcare reform, to decentralisation and national unity, manifestos serve as a roadmap.
In mature democracies, manifestos help voters evaluate and hold politicians accountable. In Cameroon, however, the picture is more complex.
The Ideal vs. The Reality in Cameroon
- Limited Accessibility: Manifestos are often not translated into local languages or simplified for grassroots understanding.
- Low Civic Education: Many voters focus more on personalities, ethnic affiliations, or short-term gains than on policy positions.
- Distrust in Politics: Years of unfulfilled promises have left a deep scepticism about whether manifestos lead to action.
- Media Gaps: Media coverage often focuses on rallies and personalities rather than dissecting policy platforms.
Do Manifestos Still Matter?
Yes, they should and increasingly do. With the rise of digital literacy and alternative media, more Cameroonians, especially the youth, are demanding substance over slogans.
Manifestos offer a benchmark for accountability, reveal candidate priorities, and give voters tools to influence political agendas.
What Voters Expect in 2025
- Clear positions on peace and security, especially in conflict-affected regions.
- Genuine job creation strategies, not vague “youth empowerment” talk.
- Concrete plans for decentralisation and local governance.
- Commitment to electoral and constitutional reform.
- Realistic timelines and financial feasibility.
The Way Forward
For manifestos to matter:
- Political parties must publish and publicise them early and clearly.
- Media and civil society should analyse and explain them to the public.
- Voters must demand issue-based debates and transparency.
- Mass civic education must be prioritised across the country.
Conclusion
Manifestos are more than paperwork; they are political contracts. While Cameroon's political culture may still undervalue them, growing public awareness and civic engagement are creating space for manifestos to matter. The 2025 election could be a turning point—if voters make policy a priority.