Cameroon Election: Mohamed Salah’s Face Appears on Voters’ List, Sparks Outrage and Laughter

By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News

A bizarre scene unfolded in Cameroon on Sunday as the face of Egyptian football superstar Mohamed Salah appeared on the official voters’ register during the country’s presidential election, raising fresh questions about the integrity of the process.

Football Icon on Electoral Roll

At a polling station in Ngaoundéré III, northern Cameroon, observers were stunned to see Salah’s photo listed among registered voters. The discovery quickly went viral after journalists and election monitors posted screenshots showing the Liverpool forward’s image on the official database of Elecam — the body responsible for conducting Cameroon’s elections.

Multiple media outlets, including international fact-checkers, later confirmed that the image of Salah indeed appeared on Elecam’s website. While officials are yet to comment, social media users flooded platforms with memes and jokes, calling the situation “another African election moment.”

Public Reactions and Integrity Concerns

The incident has triggered both amusement and concern, reigniting long-standing debates about Cameroon’s voter registry reliability. Critics say the inclusion of a globally recognized footballer’s face — who is neither Cameroonian nor resident in the country — underscores the alleged manipulation and inaccuracy within the electoral system.

“It’s laughable but also deeply troubling,” said one observer in Yaoundé. “If Mohamed Salah can appear on the voters’ list, what does that say about the legitimacy of our entire process?”

Vote Counting Underway

Meanwhile, counting began Sunday evening following the presidential election in which 92-year-old incumbent Paul Biya — the world’s oldest ruler — is widely expected to extend his 43-year rule. Voter turnout appeared mixed across several regions amid tight security and reports of delayed voting materials in parts of the Anglophone northwest.

Elecam officials have yet to release preliminary figures, but opposition leaders are already calling for an independent review of the electoral register, citing the Salah incident as evidence of systemic flaws.

— The Bureau News | Nigeria News Today

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