Features|Elections‘Day of ballots and bullets’: Anglophone fears ahead of Cameroon’s electionCameroonians will elect a new president on Sunday. But in the restive North West and South West regions, many are torn between civic duty and safety concerns.

Cameroon Presidential Election: Security and Voter Turnout Challenges

Amid ongoing conflict in Cameroon's Anglophone regions, the upcoming presidential election presents significant security concerns. The North West and South West regions have experienced escalating violence since the eruption of armed conflict in 2016. This has led to increased security measures and reduced voter participation in past elections.

The Anglophone regions have faced marginalization by the predominantly French-speaking government, leading to tensions and armed confrontations between separatist fighters and government forces. As a result, separatist groups have enforced boycotts and lockdowns, restricting movement and participation in government-organized activities, including elections.

In the lead-up to the current election, security threats remain prevalent, with frequent gun battles and kidnappings reported in areas designated as "red zones." These challenges contribute to voter apprehension and uncertainty about the electoral process.

Data from Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) indicates that the North West region has 596 polling stations with an estimated 135,974 registered voters. The South West region has 1,908 polling stations and approximately 405,823 voters. These figures reflect increased security provisions compared to the 2018 elections, where the number of operational polling stations was significantly reduced due to security threats.

Incumbent President Paul Biya, aged 92, is seeking an eighth term in office. He is joined by 11 other candidates, including former government ministers Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari. Both candidates have addressed the Anglophone crisis during their campaigns, with promises of dialogue and policy changes.

Security concerns are likely to impact voter turnout in the Anglophone regions. Past elections have seen low participation rates due to the activities of armed groups. The 2018 election recorded a turnout of 5.36 percent in the North West and 15.94 percent in the South West, highlighting the influence of security dynamics on electoral engagement.

Political analysts and conflict resolution experts emphasize the importance of addressing the security situation to ensure voter safety and participation. They advocate for governmental measures to guarantee the security of voters and the integrity of the electoral process.

Overall, the upcoming election presents critical challenges in the context of Cameroon's ongoing conflict, with implications for both voter turnout and regional stability.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.