EXTENDING PARLIAMENT’S MANDATE IS NOT A TECHNICAL DECISION — IT IS A DEMOCRATIC TEST.
The proposed extension of the mandate of Members of the National Assembly raises serious constitutional and democratic concerns.
Here is my position
EXTENSION OF THE MANDATE OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT: A TEST OF OUR COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY
The bill currently before Parliament seeking to extend the mandate of Members of the National Assembly from 31 March to 20 December 2026 raises serious constitutional, democratic, and governance concerns that must not be ignored.
While Article 15(4) of our Constitution permits such an extension in cases of serious crisis or where circumstances so warrant, this provision was never intended to become a routine administrative tool or a mechanism of political convenience.
The justification advanced—namely, financial constraints and the need for better electoral preparation—does not, in itself, meet the threshold of a “serious crisis” as contemplated by the Constitution. If anything, it raises deeper concerns about planning, governance, and prioritization.
Democracy is not a matter of convenience. It is anchored on the fundamental right of citizens to choose their representatives at regular, predictable intervals. Any delay in the electoral process, especially one that extends the life of elected officials without renewed popular mandate, must be treated with utmost caution.
We must ask ourselves:
Are we setting a precedent where electoral timelines become flexible at the discretion of those in power?
Are we normalizing extensions that gradually erode constitutional safeguards?
Cameroon has already witnessed growing concerns around institutional trust, electoral credibility, and citizen participation. Decisions of this nature risk further weakening public confidence in our democratic process.
If indeed there are logistical or financial challenges, the solution lies not in postponing democracy, but in strengthening our institutions, improving electoral planning, and ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
At this critical juncture, Parliament must rise above partisan considerations and act in the best interest of the Cameroonian people. The integrity of our constitutional order and the credibility of our democratic system depend on it.
Democracy must not be delayed. Democracy must be defended
