ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE HELD AT THE LUKMEF RESOURCE CENTER ON THE 26th OF MARCH 2007 UNDER THE THEME: “ENGAGING THE CIVIL SOCIETY IN THE ELECTORAL PROCESS”
BY DR. LORENZO MORRIS FROM HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Dr Morris and his delegation visiting the Foundation

 

The Conference started at 3:30pm with the introduction of the officials by the Director of Lukmef-Cameroon. The main speaker was Dr. Lorenzo Morris who was assisted by Ms Maxine Moffett (six months old in Cameroon), and Mr. Mathias Tientcheu who both work with the American Embassy in Yaoundé.
Dr. Lorenzo explained how elections are organized in the USA. The civil society has a very important role as far as elections are concerned in America. He said 1960 marked the beginning of civil rights in America and that John F. Kennedy won the presidential election in America thanks to the support he got from the Black American population. He also laid emphasis on the fact that candidates should always keep their word (after they have been elected into office) with regard to promises made during campaign. Unfortunately, this is never the case in Cameroon or any other third world country. The military was also seen as being very important in the electoral process as they ensure access to polling stations while equally maintaining peace.
After his brilliant presentation, room was given the participants to ask questions. Many questions came up from the participants. One of the participants tried to know how citizens are registered in America because he had struggled to no avail for three weeks to register for the up-coming elections. The professor responded that in America, the essential thing is the vote and that there is access for registration in America. Many other questions came up and were either answered by the animators or the director of LUKMEF.
The meeting lasted for two hours. It ended with a word of appreciation from the director of Lukmef-Cameroon and equally from Professor Lorenzo. The participants were very happy with the presentation as seen in their reaction at the end of the presentation.