At start of March session: Lawmakers urge peaceful polls, institutional reforms.

Hon Marlyse Soppo Toute presided the opening as head of the provisional bureau. 

She urged political parties to educate their supporters and ensure a calm and responsible atmosphere ahead of the upcoming legislative and municipal elections. 

The MPs also used the session to pay tribute to Hon Laurentine Koa Mfegue Mbede, the former eldest member of the who died in January.

Speaking after the opening sitting, CPDM MP for Upper Bayang, Hon Teku Tanyi Teku, said lawmakers will move to legislative work after the election of the permanent bureau. 

He explained that the first ordinary session of the year carries significant responsibilities for lawmakers, including reviewing government performance and addressing concerns raised by constituents.

“This session is very important because the first thing we must do is elect a new bureau, and then many bills are expected to follow. From the eldest member’s speech, we should expect several bills that will affect the functioning of the country,” he said.

Expectations of reforms, institutional changes

Other MPs said expectations were high as the session begins near the end of the current Parliamentary mandate. CPDM MP for Momo East, Hon Injoh Prudencia, said lawmakers are entering a demanding period with many issues to address.

“As we begin this session, it is normally the end of our mandate, so expectations are high. It is going to be a challenging session,” she said.

Other MPs also pointed to the possibility of institutional and constitutional reforms following recent announcements by the Head of State, Paul Biya. 

“Most Cameroonians are expecting changes because the Head of State outlined them in his speech on February 10. We remain hopeful and MPs are ready to work on any bills that may touch on the constitution,” Hon Teku said.

On his part, Hon Osih Joshua of the Social Democratic Front, SDF, said the session comes at a critical moment as the Parliamentary mandate approaches its scheduled end on March 30.

“There are many expectations. If proposals for laws are presented, we will debate them. If we must defend or challenge them, we will do so. That is why we are here as parliamentarians,” Osih said, adding that lawmakers hope to see a clear political and electoral calendar.

Opposition calls for electoral review, inquiry

Opposition lawmakers also highlighted electoral reforms and social concerns as key priorities for the session. 

Hon Koupit Adamou of the Cameroon Democratic Union expressed hopes that the “electoral code will be reformed, as well as the constitution and other laws concerning institutions involved in the electoral process”. 

He raised social issues, including calls for a parliamentary investigation into the death of political figure, Anicet Ekane, while in detention.

“As representatives of the people, we must seek the truth about such matters and look for solutions to the challenges faced by our citizens,” he said.

Hon Edward Lambe Adamu of CPDM also raised concerns on issues of insecurity and infrastructure challenges. He said Mbat village in Nwa Subdivision was recently burned down and appealed for greater attention to roads and electricity.

Hon Lambe also urged citizens to respect the law and maintain peace during the electoral process.

“People should vote for those they believe can bring peace to the country,” he said, expressing hope that the planned visit by the Pope to Cameroon could help encourage dialogue and reconciliation among communities.

Meanwhile, Honn Cabral Libii of the Cameroonian Party for National Reconciliation, PCRN, paid tribute to the late Laurentine Koa Mfegue Mbede.

“She was a great woman with whom I had the honour to work. She was full of humanity and experience, and we learned a great deal from her,” Libii said.

The Parliamentary session is expected to continue in the coming weeks with the election of the Assembly’s leadership, debates on proposed reforms and preparations linked to the country’s upcoming legislative and municipal elections.

The article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3728 of Wednesday March 11, 2026