2018 Elections: Samuel Kleda Denies Taking Sides

The President of the National Episcopal Council, Samuel Kleda has refuted some media reports that the episcopal letter of August 22 was a disguise call for the people to vote the opposition.

Speaking in a press conference at the Bishop’s house in Douala on Monday September 17th, Archbishop Samuel Kleda said the letter of the bishops was not intended for any particular candidate or only for the 2018 presidential election but addressed to all Cameroonians and also concerns the legislative and municipal elections in 2019.

He said it is within the mission of the church to edify people on making good choices in elections saying the episcopal letter gives the guidelines or criteria of a good candidate since the church shares in the people’s joys and sorrows.

Concerning the presidential election, he re-echoed the call of the bishops for people to vote only candidates who are capable of solving their problems especially at this time of insecurity in the Far North, East, North West and South West regions. “Bishops want peace,” he said adding that peace can only be achieved if we work on the truth.

As to whether free and fair elections can take place within the context of insecurity in the North West and South West, Arch Bishop said it is not up to him to decide whether it should take place or not but said they were observing the situation which he said has further degenerated of recent. The conc...