Cameroon: SDF Sets Sights on 2027 Elections, Creates National Electoral Preparedness Commission

BUEA, PAV – The Social Democratic Front (SDF) has intensified preparations for the 2027 municipal and legislative elections while taking strong positions on a range of national and international issues following a meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC) held in Bamenda on June 13, 2026.

The meeting, chaired by National Chairman Hon. Joshua Osih, brought together party leaders from across the country to deliberate on matters concerning the life of the party, the national situation, and international affairs.

On party matters, the NEC congratulated members for their resilience and commitment, citing the massive turnout at the meeting held at the party’s headquarters in Bamenda. The committee also praised party militants for their participation in the May 20 National Day celebrations and the commemoration of the SDF’s 36th anniversary.

As part of its preparations for the 2027 elections, the NEC adopted regional reports presented by party structures, except for the North Region report, which was not submitted. Party officials were urged to accelerate the identification of potential candidates for the upcoming municipal and legislative polls.

The NEC further announced the creation of a National Electoral Preparedness Commission, to be headed by the party’s Second Vice National President. The commission will oversee the recruitment of aspiring candidates in constituencies where the party lacks potential contenders and coordinate preparations for the elections.

The opposition party also called on all its structures nationwide to intensify voter registration campaigns and facilitate voter transfers before the August 31, 2026, registration deadline.

On the national front, the NEC expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the North West and South West Regions. The party condemned the continued killings of civilians and military personnel, kidnappings for ransom, rape, looting and destruction of property linked to the ongoing crisis.

The committee approved a series of private member bills proposed by Hon. Joshua Osih addressing issues including femicide, infanticide, national cohesion, tribalism, the implementation of Section 66 of the Constitution, and the recognition of slavery and colonialism as crimes against humanity. SDF Members of Parliament were instructed to table the bills during the June 2026 parliamentary session.

The NEC also criticised what it termed political inertia, economic stagnation, and the rising levels of poverty in Cameroon. It strongly denounced alleged large-scale mismanagement and exploitation of the country’s mining, forestry and petroleum resources, arguing that poor governance continues to deprive citizens of essential public services and economic opportunities.

The party further raised alarm over the country’s land tenure system, accusing the administration of undermining property rights through the cancellation and reallocation of land certificates. The NEC called for comprehensive land reforms to restore confidence, protect property ownership and improve transparency in land administration.

On education, the SDF expressed concern over recent controversies surrounding the General Certificate of Education (GCE) examinations. The party called for an independent investigation into reported irregularities and demanded sanctions against those found responsible for compromising the integrity of the examinations. It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the Anglo-Saxon educational subsystem and the Cameroon GCE Board.

The NEC additionally condemned the increasing intimidation, harassment and arbitrary arrests targeting opposition members, particularly in the North West and South West Regions. The party urged administrative and security authorities to uphold professionalism and respect citizens’ rights and freedoms.

On international matters, the SDF congratulated His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on a successful visit to Cameroon earlier this year, praising his calls for peace and good governance. The party also strongly condemned the rise in xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa, particularly African migrants, and called for greater protection of affected communities.