The Democratic Liberation Party (DL) in the North-West Region is calling for a new approach to politics, with greater emphasis on public service, accountability, youth leadership, women’s participation and peaceful democratic engagement ahead of the forthcoming legislative and municipal elections.
The party’s North-West Regional Chairperson, Mukum Vicram Ndagha, made the position known in Bamenda on Saturday, August 29, 2026, while outlining the party’s political priorities and declaring his intention to contest the parliamentary seat for Momo East, Batibo.
Vicram said Democratic Liberation wants to see politics return to its basic purpose of serving the people, rather than becoming a means of personal enrichment or a struggle for political power.
He said voters should choose their representatives based on integrity, competence, credibility and accountability. According to him, political leadership must be measured by what elected officials do for their communities and not by the money, gifts or influence they can bring during election campaigns.
The DL Regional Chairperson also called on young people to take a more active role in politics. He said youths should no longer be treated simply as campaign foot soldiers but should become part of the decision-making and leadership process.
Mukum Vicram urged young people to protect their votes and reject attempts to manipulate them through money or material gifts. He argued that short-term assistance cannot replace the long-term benefits that responsible leadership should deliver through better roads, schools, jobs, healthcare, peace and development.
“A bag of rice may feed a family for a short time, but it cannot replace roads, schools, jobs, healthcare, peace, and accountable leadership,” he said.
He further warned youths against being used to intimidate voters, disrupt elections or interfere with electoral materials, insisting that political change must be pursued through peaceful and democratic means.
The party's call for youth participation comes at a time when the North-West continues to face the effects of the prolonged crisis, including displacement, economic hardship and disruptions to social services.
Vicram said citizens must nevertheless remain politically engaged if they want to influence the direction of their communities and the country. He said the party has been encouraging people to register to vote despite the uncertainty that has surrounded the electoral calendar.
Beyond youth participation, Democratic Liberation is also seeking greater representation for women in political leadership.
The party's North-West Secretary-General, Judith Yenkong, has declared her intention to contest the parliamentary seat for the Tubah/Bafut constituency.
Yenkong, a teacher by profession, said her decision was influenced by the difficulties women have experienced during the crisis. Having worked with women through communities, churches and njangi groups, she said she wants to help create more space for women in political leadership.
“I am standing for the gap for women,” she said, calling on other women to enter politics without fear.
She said the party's political agenda places young people, women, communities and citizens committed to truth and accountability at the centre of its programme.
The DL leadership also used the Bamenda press conference to raise concerns over violence against women, particularly femicide.
Vicram said public condemnation alone was not enough and called for concrete action, including proper investigations and prosecution of those responsible.
“We don't only have to end at talking, but we have to follow with actions,” he said.
For the party, the push for new political leadership is therefore not limited to the two declared parliamentary candidates. Ndagha said DL is encouraging a wider generational transition in which young people and women can take up positions of responsibility while benefiting from the experience and mentorship of older generations.
The party also intends to compete in council elections in areas where it is presenting parliamentary candidates. Ndagha said party members have already been working at the grassroots level to mobilise communities and build support ahead of the elections.
His declaration to contest Momo East, Batibo and Yenkong’s decision to seek the Tubah/Bafut parliamentary seat mark an early indication of the party's electoral ambitions in the North-West.
DL says its broader objective is to promote a peaceful and politically active North-West where elected officials remain accountable to citizens, young people are given meaningful opportunities to lead, women participate fully in public affairs and voters are free to make their choices without intimidation or manipulation.
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