For years, Cameroonian voters have faced a persistent challenge of finding timely, accurate and direct answers to their questions about the electoral process. Misinformation, difficulty accessing official information, and unclear procedures have often left citizens uncertain about voter registration, polling stations, and complaint procedures a situation that undermines both public confidence and participation in elections.
Dr Erik Essousse, ELECAM
With just months to go before the 2025 presidential election, Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) has unveiled a major step towards closing that gap: the launch of a 24-hour call centre, accessible free of charge via the toll-free number 1508.
Speaking at the official launch in Yaoundé on Monday 11 August 2025, ELECAM’s Director General of Elections, Dr Erik Essousse, described the new facility as “a direct channel between ELECAM and the electorate” and a tangible demonstration of the institution’s commitment to transparency, accessibility, and modernisation.
“This line is a direct channel between ELECAM and voters. It reflects our desire for transparency, listening, and modernising our operations,” Dr Essousse said, stressing the importance of clear communication in promoting informed and massive voter participation.
The call centre will be manned around the clock by specially trained agents capable of answering a wide range of election-related queries beginning from voter registration and data verification to locating polling stations and clarifying voting procedures. Agents will also log and escalate complaints or irregularities reported from the field in real time.
Beyond responding to questions, the service is designed to actively encourage electoral participation, especially among those in remote areas or with limited internet access. It complements ELECAM’s growing presence on social media and its online platforms, creating multiple points of contact with citizens.
By integrating the 1508 service into its communication strategy, ELECAM aims to address one of the most pressing obstacles to credible elections in Cameroon which is the gap between citizens and electoral authorities. If widely used, the initiative could help dispel rumours, reduce voter apathy, and strengthen trust in the electoral process ahead of polling day.
By Asheri Loveliness
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