The opening of the first Ordinary Session of Parliament for the 2026 legislative year in Yaoundé was marked by an appeal for political responsibility.
Presiding over the ceremony at the Paul Biya Glass House in Yaoundé, Hon. Soppo Toute Marlyse, urged political actors to promote peace and discipline among their supporters as the country prepares for the next electoral cycle. The ceremony brought together members of government led by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians and other dignitaries.
In her address, Hon. Soppo Toute Marlyse stressed that the political climate surrounding upcoming elections requires a high level of responsibility from political parties. “I would like to fervently appeal to all political parties that would take part in the twin elections to use the period before the elections to assume their responsibilities by effectively providing better guidance and education to their militants,” she stated. Her appeal comes at a time when attention across the country is increasingly focused on the organisation of parliamentary and municipal elections, which are expected to take place following the presidential election of October 12, 2025 and the swearing-in of President Paul Biya for a new term. While the polls were initially anticipated earlier, the Head of State recently indicated that a slight adjustment to the electoral timetable would be required. According to the Eldest Member, the ongoing March parliamentary session will play a key role in that process, as the extension of the mandate of Members of Parliament must be adopted by the National Assembly in accordance with constitutional provisions. “It is clear that the ordinary session beginning today would be crucial in conforming to the procedure for deferring the date of the awaited twin elections,” she told lawmakers.
Beyond institutional procedures, she warned that the experiences surrounding the last presidential election should serve as a lesson for all stakeholders. “The demerits of the standoff that ensued after the Presidential Election of 12 October 2025 now warrant us to ensure the awaited twin elections are organised in a peaceful atmosphere,” she said. Highlighting the growing importance of local governance the Eldest Member also noted that councils have become essential actors in Cameroon’s decentralisation process and socio-economic development.“Councils have, thanks to important strides made in decentralising our country, become indispensable stakeholders in the socio-economic development of our country today,” she remarked, urging all actors to safeguard peace before, during and after the elections.
Reacting shortly after the opening session, a Hon Edward Lambe, MP for Donga Mantung East Constituency echoed the importance of maintaining stability addng that since the March session is traditionally an elective one, during which the permanent bureau of the National Assembly is renewed, lawmakers could consider maintaining the current leadership team to allow them complete their mandate. Deliberations have thus begun for what promises to be a consequential legislative period.
Claudette CHIN
