The Colbert Factor
How Bishops' Call for Cameroonians to Massively Register and Vote Underscore the Power of One Vote in Changing Cameroon 's Directional Approach
Colbert Gwain
Since the rebirth of multiple-party politics in the 1990s and the launch of the opposition Social Democratic Front (SDF) in Cameroon, with headquarters in Bamenda, the party's ideology became a sort of religion in Muteff village, located in the Fundong Subdivision of the Boyo Division in the Northwest Region. Virtually everyone of voting age in the community swore to reject the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) and pledge allegiance to the SDF and its promises. Some villagers even swore by the mystical Order of Nantang Yoh, a cult known for being quick to anger and slow to forgive (unlike God who is slow to anger and quick to forgive), which made sympathizing with the CPDM a deadly endeavor for some.
Despite these challenges, the outnumbered devoted CPDM militants in Muteff persisted, trying various tactics until 2013, when they surprisingly swept the Council seat with a slim percentage. This, because the SDF became complacent, believing Muteff was a conquered territory. The young CPDM team, led by Tom Fuchi, capitalized on this by targeting the youthful population, who weren't affiliated with the Nantang Yoh cult and were free to vote for anyone. As part of his strategic planning, Tom Fuchi had earlier supplied water to the community, unlike the SDF leadership, which had failed to deliver on its promises.
The CPDM's victory in Muteff, and by extension, Fundong Subdivision, led to Denis Awoh Ndang becoming the first-ever CPDM Mayor in the Municipality, which demonstrated in triumphant detail the power of a single vote. This outcome highlights the importance of strategic campaigning, service delivery, and demographic targeting in local politics.
If the shining example from Muteff and extension, Fundong Subdivision, is not enough to convince you that your single vote can make a difference in the upcoming Presidential election (despite the well-advertised shortcomings of the electoral code), be informed that history is replete with instances where one vote - or the choice of one individual like you - altered the course of events in ways that still resonate today.
From legislative votes that determined the fate of nations to life-or-death calls that averted disaster, the power of one vote has left an indelible mark on history. These stories remind us of the profound influence that even the smallest voices can have, especially when the stakes are at their highest like in the situation of Cameroon where people are hungry for change like never before.
Right here in Cameroon, there have been instances where one vote made a significant difference in the outcome of an election. During the 2013 Parliamentary Election in the Wouri Centre constituency, the CPDM candidate won by a single vote, securing 4,611 votes against the SDF candidate's 4,610 votes. In the 2018 Senatorial Election in the North West Region, one senatorial seat was won by a single vote, with the CPDM candidate securing 11 votes against the SDF candidate's 10 votes in one constituency.
On the African continent, the 2012 Ghanaian Presidential Election saw John Dramani Mahama winning by a margin of 0.5%, which translates to approximately 300,000 votes. Also, in one constituency, Mahama won by just one vote.
In the second round of the Zimbabwean Presidential Election in 2008, Robert Mugabe's opponent, Morgan Tsvangirai, withdrew due to violence and intimidation. However, in one constituency, Tsvangirai won by a single vote. In the South African Municipal Election in 2016, the Democratic Alliance (DA) won the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality by a single vote in one ward. In the 2013 Kenyan Parliamentary Election, one candidate won by a single vote in the Kipkelion constituency.
Again, in the Malawian Presidential Election in 2020, Lazarus Chakwera won the presidency, but in one constituency, he won by just one vote. These examples illustrate that, even in Africa, one vote can make a significant difference in the outcome of an election. Also, in 1961 in the Zanzibar election, the Afro-Shirazi party won a crucial seat by a single vote, ultimately leading to the formation of a coalition government.
History is filled with examples of how one vote changed the world. Did you know that in 1645, one vote gave Oliver Cromwell control over England? In 1649, one vote caused Charles I to be executed. In 1776, one vote gave America the English language instead of German. In 1845, one vote brought Texas into the Union. In 1868, one vote saved President Andrew Johnson from being removed from office.
In 1875, one vote changed France from a monarchy to a Republic. In 1876, one vote gave Rutherford Hayes the Presidency of the USA. In 1923, one vote gave Adolf Hitler the leadership of the Nazi Party. In 1941, one vote saved the Selective Service process in the USA, just weeks before Pearl Harbor was attacked.
One single vote, one single voice makes a difference that can change history. Look at the people in the Bible who had only one vote to offer and yet their voice, their influence affects us even today.
Adam's vote brought death into the world. Noah's vote saved the human race. Abraham's vote brought the Jewish nation into being. Joseph's vote preserved it. Moses' vote freed his people. Mary's vote enabled God to become man. Jesus' vote saved the world. Peter and Paul's vote brought salvation to every person including you and me.
Take heed. Your one vote may make all the difference in October. Even though you may be saying like others that you are only one person and it cannot make a difference since it hasn't been made in the past, this is not the moment to feel shortchanged or ineffective just because you are just one person. For far too long in Cameroon, we have given the impression that the ruling CPDM machinery and the government it runs in Yaounde is bigger and more powerful and we, the solitary citizens are becoming weaker and less influential than we were in the 1990s. Each time we tell ourselves that we have only one vote we give an excuse for not voting and we de-power ourselves. We never consider how our vote or failure to vote will come together to change the course of history. If we can say without certainty that late Chairman Ni John Fru Ndi was robbed of his victory in the 1992 Presidential election, it is because we voted massively, not because we failed to vote.
By deciding to register and vote, you are protecting your hard-earned freedom to vote which is currently being clawed by those who discourage your determination for change through vote buying and vote rigging. The only way to stop these moves from happening is by standing up against the people acting against your interests and voting them out of office. Even if you vote and the election is rigged, you would have greatly encouraged the candidate who stand up for the values you believe in, and there's no more basic value than the right for any eligible voter to be able to cast their ballot. Never doubt that your vote is your voice and that your voice is powerful and must be exercised to remain so.
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