The 2-Day Voters Education Workshop is designed to empower youth leaders and representatives, particularly from sectors such as the media, with the knowledge and skills necessary for peaceful and informed participation during elections. This workshop aims to foster greater understanding of the electoral process, voter responsibilities, and strategies to promote a non-violent electoral climate. It will take place from Monday, 12th May to Tuesday, 13th May 2025 at Maison Saint Pierre de Mvolyé, Yaoundé.

Context

In Cameroon, youth participation in electoral processes remains limited. A persistent lack of trust in democratic institutions has significantly contributed to voter apathy, posing a threat to democratic governance. According to the February 2020 Elections Data Annex, voter turnout in presidential elections has consistently declined, from 83.10% in 1997 to just 53.85% in 2018 (source). Youth participation, in particular, was reported at only 36% in 2011.

The situation is exacerbated by electoral violence, irregularities, and the ongoing sociopolitical crisis in the North West and South West regions, where threats from armed groups impede citizen engagement. As reported by Stratégies Spatiales (2019), many citizens abstain from voting due to both internal disillusionment and external security threats.

To address these concerns, Local Youth Corner Cameroon (LOYOC), with support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC) and funding from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), is organizing this workshop. The initiative aims to build youth capacity for peaceful electoral participation and promote safety and civic responsibility throughout the electoral cycle.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the workshop are to:

• Provide in-depth training on the electoral process, including voters’ rights and responsibilities.
• Highlight the importance of peaceful electoral engagement in promoting democratic governance.
• Equip participants with actionable strategies to mitigate electoral violence and foster dialogue within diverse communities.

Target Audience

The workshop will bring together 20 youth leaders actively involved in electoral engagement and civic education across Cameroon.

Training Dates, Venue, and Methodology

Training Dates: Monday, 12th to Tuesday, 13th May 2025
Venue: Maison Saint Pierre de Mvolyé, Opposite St. Benoît College, 15 meters from the Mvolyé Basilica, Yaoundé, Mfoundi.

The training will be conducted using Cameroon 02 of the official Languages (English and French) for two days, each focusing on thematic modules related to peaceful electoral participation. The methodology will include:

־ Interactive lectures
־ Group work and scenario-based discussions
־ Role-play exercises
־ Case studies and experience sharing by guest experts and participants in electoral governance and peacebuilding

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants are expected to:

1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of their civic roles and responsibilities as voters.
2. Appreciate the value of peaceful participation in the electoral process while engaging in activity in their communities
3. Possess practical tools for conflict prevention and peaceful electoral engagement.

Conclusion

This 2-day workshop is a critical step toward building a culture of civic responsibility and peaceful political engagement among youth in Cameroon. By investing in youth leadership and capacity-building, this initiative supports long-term efforts to strengthen democratic resilience, reduce electoral violence, and promote inclusive governance.