Catholic Justice, Peace Official in Cameroon Cautions against “disinformation campaigns” during Electioneering Period

He called for public discourse on the role and responsibilities of social media platforms, especially in the context of Cameroon’s presidential election.

Cameroon’s President since 1982, Paul Biya, is expected to stand for election for an eighth presidential term in the Central African nation, where Presidents have a seven-year mandate.

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Constitutional amendments that President Biya’s party, Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), spearheaded in 2008, abolishing the two-term presidential limit, occasioned his “extraordinarily long tenure”. 

President Biya is Africa’s second longest serving Head of State after President Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea.

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In his February 25 presentation, the Catholic JPC Coordinator in Cameroon underscored the importance of a “well-regulated media landscape,” stressing that the media “must ensure citizens have access to reliable and diverse sources of information, which are essential for making informed electoral choices.” 

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“The media plays a crucial role in the coverage of elections and in the formation of public opinion,” Mr. Binla told Catholic communicators in Cameroon during the event that was held at the NECC headquarters in Mvolye, Yaoundé.

He underlined the important place for an independent and impartial media, saying “independence and impartiality are essential to ensure balanced and transparent information on candidates and electoral issues.” 

Regarding the role of Catholic communicators during an electioneering period, the Catholic JPC Coordinator in Cameroon urged voter education, mobilization, and advocacy. 

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“Our duty is to educate, to mobilize, to sensitize, so that the participation of each and every Cameroonian of voting age is effective, and also to defend their votes,” Mr. Binla said.

He went on to emphasize the importance of adherence to ethical electoral conduct.

“The code of good conduct in elections can be understood as a series of rules of conduct developed and adopted by all parties involved in an electoral process which aims to contribute to the creation of favorable conditions for the organization of fair, free, credible, and transparent elections and to the acceptance of the election results by all,” Mr. Binla explained.

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He also emphasized the need to increase voter participation, ensure election transparency, and counteract fraudulent practices. 

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Mr. Binla urged Catholic communicators to respond “proactively, not by condemning political infractions outright but by encouraging citizens to register, vote, and make informed decisions.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.