Although regional elections will be held on November 30, the real political drama is unfolding specifically within the House of Chiefs—an institution that gives a second reading to all decisions from the House of Divisional Representatives.
Structure & Context
The House of Chiefs has 20 members drawn from the 7 divisions of the North West Region.
Unlike the Divisional Representatives (which each have only one list per division), several divisions have multiple competing lists for the House of Chiefs.
Mezam is the hottest race, with three competing lists:
Fon of Mankon
The 1st list is led by Fo Fru Asah Angwafo IV (Fon of Mankon), who seeks to reclaim the House of Chiefs seat once held by his late father. He is supported by the Fons of Bamendakwe, HRM Fon Nfongwa Amah Georges, who host the seat of the House of Chiefs and Fon Awemo Charles of Bambili, seat of the University of Bamenda.
The 2nd list led by Fon Doh Ganyonga III of Bali, a former Senator with 10years of parliamentary experience. His team includes:
Fon Funwie Stanley Ngufor of Nkwen (incumbent and finance committee head)
Fon Paul Fozoh III of Awing
The 3rd List led by Fon Viyuoh Nelson of Kedjom Ketinguh, a development focused second class Fon and finance expert. He is supprtee by;
Fon Ganitious Mbigha Ngufor
Fon Suh Elvis Neba of Mbakong (Bafut).
For other divisions, single lists were submitted in Boyo, Bui, and Ngoketunjia;
Boyo: Led by Fon Ndi Clement Mbain, paramount ruler of Kom.
Nso (Bui Division): Paramount Fon Wirba Mbinglo Patrick is also expected to return.
Ngoketunjia: Current House President Fon Yakum Kevin Teuvih seeks a second mandate.
The House Secretary Race
Also heating up is the race for House Secretary:
Incumbent Fon Bahmbi III Mathias faces
Fon Ju Wilson of Koshing
Ardo Mamah Mohamadu
The regional elections in Cameroon will take place in 10regions, 900 councilors will vote (90 per region).
The Electoral System is Indirect universal suffrage involving municipal councillors and traditional chiefs.
9 parties, including the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP), and others will be in involved in the voting process.
The elections are part of Cameroon's decentralization process, aiming to give more autonomy to regional councils.