Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
In her statement to the public, Tomaïno Ndam Njoya, the National President of the UDC, reveals the details of her conversation with the Cameroonian Head of State.
During this exchange, the UDC, represented by its President, expressed the pressing need to amend the Electoral code to guarantee fair and peaceful elections in Cameroon.
Strong statements by the Head of State
In response, the President of the Republic affirmed that he was “open” to all requests from the people, a position that he reiterated twice during the exchange according to the President of the UDC. However, Paul Biya specified that he had not been informed of the proposal to reform the Electoral Code submitted by the Platform for Consensual Reform in 2021.
Read the statement released by UDC below :
PRESS RELEASE CONTAINING THE ESSENCE OF THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN H.E. THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON AND THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE UDC DURING THE PRESENTATION OF THE NEW YEAR WISHES BY THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTED BODIES.
ATTENTION OF THE PUBLIC OPINION
Out of republican duty and in response to the invitation, the UDC was present on Friday 10 January 2025, at the New Year greetings ceremony of the Head of State.
– To the UDC, the republican ethics dictates the respect of republican institutions, including the President of the Republic, Head of State, as stipulated by Article 5 of the Constitution -,
The National President of the UDC, invited as representative of a political party at the National Assembly, took advantage of the President’s “Bain de Foule” (second highly anticipated articulation and privileged moment) to exclusively transmit to His Excellency, President of the Republic, a request from the vast majority of political actors and civil society, that of the amendment of the Electoral Code and even the Constitution before the organisation of any election in Cameroon, to foster a more peaceful climate.
In view of the understandable and keen interest, given the context, aroused by what can properly be considered as a brief and highly symbolic “exchange” with the Head of State, a rare occurrence, and above all in order to preserve the accuracy of what was said from misinterpretation or even alteration:
1- The Head of State said he was “open” to all requests or demands from the people, when he repeated twice.
2- The Head of State said that he was not aware of the proposal to amend the Electoral Code, which had been brought to him by the Platform for the Consensual and Participatory Reform of the Electoral Code in November 2021.
3- Referring back to the Bishops’ declarations, the Head of State pointed out that the criteria for candidacy at the Presidency of the Republic were determined by the constitution and the Law, not by the Bishops.
4- Regretting that the important document submitted to the Presidency of the Republic had not reached his attention, the National President of the UDC reassured the Head of State that another copy would be sent to him promptly. He emphasized that regardless of the candidates, it the citizens who must decide through electoral means. This shows the importance of organising fair and transparent elections, which requires a consensual Electoral Code.
This is what can be verified from what has been said.
The President of the Cameroon Democratic Union expresses her gratitude to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Cameroon for the manifest and keen interest he has shown in this “Voice” / “Appeal of the Majority of the Stakeholders in the Democratic process”. The Proposal to Amend the Electoral Code being a “Proposal” as its name indicates, and was formulated within an inclusive republican framework;
– Aware that there are several disagreements on certain provisions of the current Electoral Code in force, as well as outdated provisions, contradictions and legal loopholes, which hinder the full exercise of the fundamental right to vote, and then, the possibility of a peaceful and democratic alternation.
