2025 presidentials: Eldest MP calls for restrain as tension mounts.

The appeal was the substance of her inaugural speech to launch the start of activities of the March session of the National Assembly, Tuesday March 11. The eldest MP also called for a peaceful organisation of the election, by the various stakeholders.

The opening plenary sitting was attended by members of government, led by the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dr Chief Joseph Dion Ngute. 

Also in attendance were the eldest member of the Senate, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Ambassadors and Representatives of International Organisations, amongst others. 

Hon Koa Mfegue said the session was unfolding in a context of the highly anticipated presidential election, slated for October this year. 

Though the election is still several months ahead, the eldest MP said the political atmosphere in the country has been unsettled for sometimes now.

She, however, said the mounting tension is a clear indication of the importance politicians accord to the much-awaited presidential election. 

“Such a state of affairs is not surprising, since the winner will hold the highest office in the land, the post of President of the Republic,” she said.

According to the Head of the National Assembly Provisional Bureau, the heated political debates in the country is eloquent proof that democracy is a reality in Cameroon. She also credited Paul Biya as "The Father of Democracy in Cameroon."

Exhorts political class

With the recent incidents of political discord in the country, she exhorted the political class to respect the laws in force and put the interest of Cameroon above personal ambition. 

“If presidential hopefuls incite fellow Cameroonians to destabilise our country, foment chaos and even invoke evil spirits to take possession of our country, what kind of Cameroon would one of the presidential hopefuls rule when he accedes to power?,” she wondered.

With all eyes on the October poll, she said, “we need to head off squabbles or erratic behaviour by acting responsibly and as patriots in order to hold the election in a calm and serene atmosphere and thus enable Cameroon to pursue its resolute march to progress after October 2025”. 

Appeal to election stakeholders

She made a fervent appeal to the various stakeholders, beginning with Elections Cameroon, ELECAM, to organise the election as stipulated by law. 

To the Constitutional Council entrusted with the responsibility of handling electoral disputes, she urged the institution to settle possible disputes according to the law.

Koa Mfegue also said “…those whose task is to mobilise the population should mobilise the population to vote massively as never before,”, before tasking media practitioners to, more than ever before, report on the election with professionalism.

“I wish to draw the attention of press men and women as well as hordes of social media actors. All the above social groups are apostles of truth who report on daily occurrences and do play an important role in the electoral process- a role that does not make allowance for manipulation, misinformation or bias,” she stated. 

Prayers for Cameroon

She further asked religious leaders to commit Cameroon to God and pray against the spirit of division and the works of the devil that are inclined to sow confusion amongst compatriots. 

“My wish is to see our country organise the October presidential election with resounding success, dignity and pride,” she declared, insisting about her desire of seeing all Cameroonians to stick to peace, unity and living together after the election.

Proceedings of the ongoing session will conclude with bureau elections, with incumbent House Speaker, Hon Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, said to seek re-election. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3391 of Thursday March 13, 2025