Politicians Woo Cameroonian Voters with Gifts as Election Draws Near

As Cameroon heads toward its crucial general elections, reports from several regions indicate that politicians have intensified the distribution of food items, cash, and household goods a practice popularly referred to as “stomach infrastructure.”

In cities such as Douala, Yaoundé, and Bamenda, residents say political parties and candidates are engaging in large-scale handouts of rice, cooking oil, clothing, and even cash transfers in a bid to win the hearts and votes of the electorate.

Community leaders and civil society observers have described the development as a familiar pre-election tactic in Cameroon, where economic hardship has made many voters vulnerable to inducement.

“Every election season, politicians suddenly become generous,” said Benoît Nkou, a resident of Yaoundé.

“They remember the poor and start distributing food, but after the election, they disappear again.”

Analysts say the resurgence of stomach infrastructure underscores deep-rooted socio-economic challenges in the country. With rising unemployment, inflation, and limited social welfare programs, many voters view these gifts as short-term relief rather than bribery.

However, transparency advocates warn that such practices compromise democratic integrity.

The Cameroon Renaissance Transparency Network in a statement urged the Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) and anti-corruption agencies to monitor campaign activities closely and enforce electoral laws.

“The use of food and money to influence voters distorts the democratic process and undermines accountability,” the group stated. “Elections should be based on ideas, not inducements.”

As election day draws near, the distribution of “stomach infrastructure” appears to be gaining momentum, highlighting the intersection between poverty and politics in Cameroon’s electoral landscape