Given the importance of elections in relation to stability and peace in Cameroon, the Catholic Church embarked on an initiative of training Christian Election Observers through the National Service for Justice and Peace of the Episcopal Conference of Cameroon.

This exercise began since 2001 although the observatory had its first task in 2002 during the twin parliamentary and Municipal Elections. Training Christian Election Observers will strengthen the electoral process by providing an independent assessment of elections. The presence of Election Observers at polling stations increases voters’ confidence that they can safely and secretly cast their votes without tribulations thus ensuring that all citizens’ participate in the political life of their nation.

Accordingly, the National Service for Justice and Peace of the National Episcopal conference of the Catholic Church in Cameroon thought it was wise to refresh the memories of Christian Election Observers. The Justice and Peace Commission under the coordination of Mme Laura Anyola Tufon, Provincial Coordinator of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Bamenda Ecclesiastical Province ensured the smooth running of the workshop. The refresher training Organized in Bamenda at Paul VI Memorial Centre, was attended by Participants drawn evenly from the four Dioceses (Archdiocese of Bamenda, Kumbo Diocese, Mamfe Diocese and Buea Diocese) that make up the Ecclesiastical Province of Bamenda.