Local residents describe a village under military occupation, empty polling stations, and ballot boxes allegedly filled by security forces.
By a Son of the Soil, Special Correspondent, Awing Village
Allegations of massive electoral fraud have emerged from Awing Village, Santa Subdivision, in the wake of Cameroon’s October 12, 2025 presidential election. Local residents describe a village under military occupation, empty polling stations, and ballot boxes allegedly filled by security forces.
Historical Context
Since the return of multiparty politics in Cameroon, Awing Village has never registered more than 4,000 voters. The most recent registration exercise reportedly ended with no new names added to the electoral register, according to local accounts. Many of the names that remain on the rolls date back to the 1990s, during the era of SDF leader John Fru Ndi.
Community members estimate that over 20 percent of those on the register have since died, some during the conflict between the military and separatist fighters in the region.
A Village Under Watch
On election day, local observers counted fewer than 50 people on the streets of Awing, aside from military personnel. Only one polling station was set up, located in the Awing main market. Witnesses say the site was heavily guarded by about 20 soldiers, and opposition party representatives, including those from the SDF, were chased away from the area.
According to multiple eyewitnesses, soldiers then proceeded to fill ballot boxes themselves, in the absence of actual voters. No independent electoral monitors were present inside the polling station.
Campaign Rejection and Suspicious Results
In the lead-up to the election, the ruling CPDM reportedly failed to attract local support during campaign events. Residents say the community, still mourning victims of military violence, largely refused to participate.
Yet, official results attributed 4,037 votes to the CPDM from Awing — a figure that villagers describe as “mathematically and morally impossible” given the absence of voters, the outdated register, and the climate of fear.
“These figures are a disgrace to those who masterminded this fraud,” said one resident. “Awing is the land of smiles. Nobody will tarnish that image.”
A Record of Violence
Villagers allege that more than 200 people have been killed in Awing during the ongoing conflict, leaving deep scars and widespread distrust toward the state. Many argue that it is inconceivable that residents would voluntarily vote for the same government they accuse of atrocities.
A Pattern Across Santa
Sources from neighboring villages in Santa Subdivision report similar irregularities, suggesting a broader pattern of ballot manipulation. Local activists are calling for independent investigations into the conduct of the 2025 presidential election in Santa, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
A Community’s Message
The people of Awing insist that the world is watching, and so is God. Their message is clear: they reject both the killings and the manipulation of their democratic voice.
Local Correspondent son of the soil Awing
