Cameroon nationals, residing in the UK voted for the first time on Sunday in their country’s presidential elections thanks to the commendable efforts of the High commissioner, His Excellency Mr Nkwelle Ekaney.

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Commenting on his impressions about the elections, the High commissioner said casting his vote was a historic moment because while a student he joined other Cameroonians in the Diaspora to agitate for the opportunity to vote outside the country which became a reality on Sunday.

His Excellency Nkwelle Nkaney appeared elated because in his words, he did not expect to see it happen in his life-time and said it was a major accomplishment for him to witness the day and also to exercise his franchise rather watching the elections on television.

“For me to exercise my vote here in London when previously I would have sat down to watch television is a great thing”

Cameroonians, he said were bound to be proud because for one reason it marked the end of their agitation to exercise their franchise in the diaspora.

“This is the end result of what they have been asking for, secondly it is a reason to rejoice because the country thinks of them and the country wants them to take part in the democratic process and to exercise their rights wherever they are.”

The High Commission was speaking in an interview with Voice of Africa Radio’s Diplomatic Officer, Genevieve Vangah at the High Commission after the elections.

Earlier a handful of Cameroonians who felt they were not informed in good time about the election held a peaceful demonstration outside the High Commission but soon dispersed to cast their votes.

Mr Nkwelle Nkaney said it was a pity that some Cameroonians did not vote because of the time and added that the affected people have assured him that they will cast their votes in subsequent elections.

Asked how his mission has been involved in the preparation for the election, the High Commissioner said his outfit held two meetings ,first of all with all the leaders of Cameroonian Associations in the UK to educate them on what was to happen.

Secondly, a political meeting to set up commissions to register and to distribute voters’ cards was held both of which were highly patronised.

Adequate provisions, he said were made to ensure that eligible Cameroonians registered to take part in the elections by way of the Commission’s website which contained the contact details of the various commissions.

Asked why a handful of the people demonstrated earlier on, the High Commissioner said “Cameroon is a democratic country and even if we had given people one year to prepare, there are people who are still going to protest.”

Source:Florence Simpson/Voice of Africa Radio/UK