If the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement, CPDM, party had an easy ride in the Nyong and Kelle Division during the 14 April 2013 election of Senators, the situation might not be the same in the 30 September 2013 Legislative and Municipal elections. The reasons may not be far-fetched. The three legislative seats in the division will not only be contested, but the challenge will be coming from a political party which traditionally has its stronghold in the locality. The Union des Populations du cameroun, UPC, party whose founding fathers hailed from the Nyong and Kelle Division.
The same competition is evident in the council elections with the ruling CPDM facing the UPC and the MANIDEM - an off-shoot of the UPC, at Matomb Subdivsion.
The overwhelming dominance of the CPDM party, noticed throughout the country is observable in the Nyong and Kelle mostly in the Biyouha and Nguibassal electoral constituencies where the CPDM is going solo. The other eight constituencies will either see the CPDM pitted against the UPC or both parties with the MANIDEM joining the battle to canvas for votes.
Incumbent Jean Calvin Libock, well known for his exhibitionist media outings to demonstrate his support for the local population of the Division, on behalf of the CPDM will be joining forces with substantive candidates; Jean Georges Sop and Mrs Mbeng née Maah Anne Veronique as well as substitute candidates, Oum Edouard, Ngo Mboda Félicité Marie Veronique and Nlend Louis.
Within the UPC party, former Parliamentarian, Pierre Sende is liaising with Robert Bapooh Lipot and Ngo Nyanga Esp. Djon II and substitute candidates Jean Bahebeck, Nyeck Nyeck Sylvestre Le Bell, and Yoko Rosette Fidele Epe. Samnick of the UPC are ready to give the CPDM contenders a veritable run for their money.
Within the ruling CPDM the general trend has been that most local elite are back home to give an indispensable push to the party against the UPC barons who have all along vowed to claim that the UPC owns the Nyong and Kelle Division. Given that the CPDM has within the past years shown some dominance over the UPC partly thanks to the internal feuds within the UPC, the CPDM supporters in the Nyong and Kelle will want to convince any doubting Thomas' on 30 September that they are now firmly in command. However, the outcome of the polls will best tell the story.
