The two new members of the electoral body, Elections Cameroon, ELECAM which is in charge of overseeing elections in the country, were sworn-in as new members of the institution’s Electoral Council early this week.
Jean Bernard Mboutou Ze and Charles Nanga officially took their oaths of office on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at a ceremony presided over by officials of the Constitutional Council, marking a crucial step in reinforcing ELECAM’s composition ahead of future elections. The appointment of Mboutou Ze and Nanga, formalized through a Presidential Decree on December 20th of the previous year, comes at an essential time for ELECAM as it gears up for upcoming electoral cycles and aims to further enhance its credibility and efficiency. The Electoral Council, the governing body of ELECAM, plays a great role in ensuring the fairness, transparency, and integrity of the electoral process.
Mboutou Ze, formerly the Secretary-General of the Supreme State Audit Office, is highly regarded for his integrity, a quality believed to have influenced his selection to ensure electoral transparency within ELECAM taking his oath testifies his commitment to the country’s success. Nanga, a graduate of both the National School of Administration, ENA, in Paris and ENAM in Cameroon, previously served as Inspector General at the Ministry of Basic Education. Their diverse backgrounds and proven track records have instilled confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to ELECAM’s mission. “First, I would like to thank you all for coming. Once again, I would like to express my gratitude for your trust in Elections Cameroon.
As far as I am concerned, I am committed to doing everything necessary to ensure the success of the elections. I will ensure that electoral materials arrive at the appropriate timing, facilitating the smooth conduct of the elections. Looking ahead, I am dedicated to guaranteeing that future elections take place in the best possible manner throughout the territory, ultimately making us proud of the East Zone,”. Jean Bernard Mboutou Ze attested, reassuring the people that his coming in is for a better election ahead. During the swearing-in ceremony, Mboutou Ze also pledged his unwavering commitment to upholding Cameroon’s electoral laws with diligence and fidelity. This commitment is essential for maintaining public trust in the electoral system and ensuring that elections are conducted in a manner that accurately reflects the will of the people.
The arrival of Mboutou Ze and Nanga presents ELECAM with an opportunity to benefit from fresh perspectives and renewed energy. They will join existing members in deliberating on key policy decisions, addressing challenges, and implementing reforms aimed at improving the electoral process. The swearing-in of Mboutou Ze and Nanga, alongside the renewal of mandates for three current board members, represents a key step in reinforcing the council’s composition and ensuring its continued effective operation in the lead-up to future elections. As Cameroon prepares for these important democratic exercises, a strong and credible ELECAM is vital for maintaining stability and ensuring that the voice of the people is heard.
