On May 22, 2025, CJARC organized an awareness workshop in Yaoundé aimed at promoting better consideration of persons with disabilities in the electoral process in Cameroon. The event brought together representatives from Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), the Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CDHC), the NGO GOODWILL, and CJARC itself.
In his opening speech, Dr. Coco Bertin, Director General of CJARC, emphasized the importance of including persons with disabilities in the electoral process, highlighting the need to ensure their full and effective participation in the country's democratic life. He called for strengthened collaboration between institutions to remove barriers to the electoral participation of persons with disabilities.
The discussions focused on the challenges and progress related to electoral inclusion, highlighting key recommendations: accessibility of polling stations, adaptation of electoral materials, training of election officials, and strengthening political advocacy.
According to the ELECAM representative, since January 2, 2025, a total of 5,233 voters with disabilities have been registered in the Centre region, representing approximately 20% of the 1,438,000 people already enrolled, with a majority being women.
Alongside the workshop, a special voter registration campaign, led by a dynamic ELECAM team, took place today and will conclude tomorrow, May 23, 2025, facilitating the registration of persons with disabilities on the electoral rolls.
Cet atelier a permis de sensibiliser les acteurs politiques et institutionnels et d’engager un dialogue constructif en faveur d’élections plus inclusives. Les recommandations issues de cette rencontre seront transmises aux autorités compétentes par le biais d’une pétition pour améliorer l’accessibilité électorale à l’avenir.
