The Grassroots Must Not Be Forgotten: A Call for Renewed Engagement Ahead of the Municipal and Legislative Elections in Fako Division

As the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) intensifies its mobilisation across Fako Division ahead of the forthcoming municipal and legislative elections, there is a fundamental issue that, in my considered opinion, deserves the party’s immediate and earnest attention: the voice, welfare and aspirations of the grassroots militant must never be relegated to the margins of the political conversation.

Political parties derive their legitimacy, strength and electoral authority from the people at the grassroots. The influence enjoyed by the political elite is not self-generated; it is ultimately conferred upon them by the ordinary militants and supporters who campaign, mobilise, defend the party’s ideals and, most importantly, cast their votes.

It is therefore imperative that the CPDM in Fako Division approaches the forthcoming elections not merely as an exercise in political mobilisation, but as an opportunity to reconnect with the grassroots, restore confidence and renew the social contract between the party and its militants.

The Power of the Elite Comes from the Grassroots

One must never lose sight of a fundamental political reality: without the grassroots, there is no political elite.

Those who occupy positions of influence within the party do so because thousands of ordinary militants have, over the years, invested their loyalty, time, energy and resources in sustaining the political structure.

The grassroots militant is therefore not merely a numerical instrument to be summoned when elections approach. He or she is an indispensable stakeholder in the political process.

For this reason, the party must guard against any perception of elitism or detachment from ordinary militants. There must be no political hierarchy so elevated that it becomes incapable of hearing the concerns of those at the foundation.

The party leadership must descend from the comfort of political offices and listen directly to the communities, neighbourhoods, villages and constituencies that constitute the electoral heart of Fako Division.

A party that wishes to command the confidence of the people must first demonstrate that it respects the people.

The Experiences of Previous Mobilisations Must Be Examined

The forthcoming elections also provide an opportunity to reflect honestly on the experiences of militants during previous political mobilisation exercises.

There were instances during the last electoral cycle where militants were mobilised to attend political rallies outside their immediate areas of comfort, only to encounter serious logistical difficulties afterwards.

Some reportedly found themselves without adequate means of transportation to return home, while others were left exposed to extremely difficult conditions, including standing in pools of water.

What makes such experiences particularly troubling is the perception that, at the same time, some members of the political elite were able to retreat into comfortable restaurants and event halls.

Whether such experiences were isolated incidents or symptomatic of a broader organisational weakness, the message they convey to the ordinary militant is one that the party cannot afford to ignore.

No militant who sacrifices his or her time and energy for the party should ever leave a political activity feeling abandoned by the very organisation they came to serve.

Mobilisation should not end when the speeches are over and the cameras are switched off. The dignity, safety and welfare of militants must remain part of the equation.

The 2025 Presidential Election Should Be a Lesson

The outcome of the 2025 Presidential Election should provide an important moment for introspection.

Electoral results are not merely figures to be celebrated or regretted. They are political messages. They reveal areas of strength, expose weaknesses and, most importantly, provide an indication of how effectively a political organisation has maintained its connection with the electorate.

The CPDM should therefore study the lessons emerging from the 2025 presidential election, particularly in relation to grassroots enthusiasm, voter engagement and the expectations of communities.

If the party desires a stronger and more decisive performance in the forthcoming municipal and legislative elections, it cannot afford to repeat approaches that may have contributed to disillusionment or weakened the enthusiasm of its grassroots base.

The objective should not simply be to mobilise people for rallies; it should be to mobilise people who genuinely believe that their party hears them, values them and represents their aspirations.

Fako Division Requires a Grassroots-Centred Strategy

Fako Division is politically significant, socially diverse and electorally strategic. Its political landscape cannot be effectively managed through an exclusively top-down approach.

The party must strengthen its engagement with ordinary militants across its various communities and constituencies. Local concerns must be heard. Community grievances must be acknowledged. Militants who feel forgotten must be brought back into the centre of the conversation.

The party should also ensure that its mobilisation structures are sufficiently organised to address practical issues such as transportation, communication, coordination and the welfare of participants during political activities.

A militant should not have to choose between demonstrating political commitment and being stranded far from home.

Organisation is itself a form of respect.

When militants are properly coordinated and cared for, they feel valued. When they feel valued, they become more enthusiastic ambassadors of the party within their communities.

Women and Youths Must Have More Than a Symbolic Voice

There is another dimension that deserves particular attention: the participation of women and youths.

Women and young people constitute a significant component of the political and demographic strength of Fako Division. Their voices must therefore be heard not merely during campaign seasons, but consistently throughout the political decision-making process.

Women should not be viewed solely as mobilisers or participants at political gatherings. They must be encouraged to articulate their concerns, contribute ideas and occupy meaningful positions of responsibility.

Likewise, young people must not be approached primarily as an electoral demographic whose votes are required every few years. They must be treated as partners in shaping the political and socio-economic future of Cameroon.

This is particularly important in the context of the vision of the Head of State, His Excellency President Paul Biya, regarding the participation and empowerment of women and youths during the current tenure.

If the party genuinely wishes to translate that vision into political reality, then the voices of women and young people must be heard, respected and incorporated into the party's programmes and strategies.

From Mobilisation to Meaningful Political Engagement

The CPDM possesses a formidable organisational structure and a long-established presence at the grassroots. The challenge before the party is to transform that structure into a more responsive and participatory political network.

Militants should not only be called upon when their physical presence is required at rallies. They should be consulted, listened to and kept informed.

The party must create an environment in which the ordinary militant can confidently say:

“My party hears me. My party respects me. My party values my contribution.”

That sense of belonging can be far more powerful than any conventional mobilisation strategy.

Political loyalty cannot be demanded indefinitely; it must also be nurtured.

A Call for Greater Humility and Inclusiveness

My intervention is not intended as an indictment of the CPDM or its leadership. On the contrary, it is a sincere appeal for introspection at a moment when the party is preparing for another decisive electoral contest.

The party must resist the temptation of becoming detached from its foundation.

The elite may occupy positions of authority, but the grassroots remains the source from which that authority derives its electoral legitimacy.

The forthcoming municipal and legislative elections should therefore be approached with humility, inclusiveness and a renewed commitment to the ordinary militant.

If the CPDM in Fako Division desires a massive electoral victory, then the strategy must begin where the party's strength truly resides: with the people at the grassroots.

Listen to them.

Walk with them.

Respect their sacrifices.

Address their concerns.

Give women a genuine voice.

Empower the youths.

And, above all, never allow the militant who carries the party's flag in the rain to feel forgotten by those enjoying the shelter of political power.

The Road to Victory Begins at the Grassroots

Ultimately, elections are not won merely in conference rooms, restaurants, event halls or political offices. They are won in communities, streets, villages, neighbourhoods and households.

They are won when the ordinary militant believes that the political organisation he or she supports genuinely cares about their welfare and aspirations.

The forthcoming municipal and legislative elections present the CPDM with an opportunity to correct weaknesses, consolidate its grassroots structures and renew the confidence of its militants.

If the party wants a massive victory in Fako Division, then it must first ensure that its grassroots militants feel that they are part of that victory.

For political power may be exercised by the elite, but its foundation is built by the grassroots.

And when the foundation is strong, respected and united, the entire political structure stands stronger.

An Opinion by Inoni Njie Ephraim

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Inoni Njie Ephraim