Modifying Electoral Code: Pertinence Explained To Senators

The legal instrument providing for a modification of Section 170 of the Electoral Code has been explained to Senators. The Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji presented and defended the bill before the Constitutional Laws Committee of the Senate, headed by Etame Massoma David Siegfried on April 5, 2026. The Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Relations with Assemblies, François Bolvine Wakata. Accordingly, Section 170 of the Electoral Code states that the term of office of Municipal Councillors may be extended by the President of the Republic for a period not exceeding 18 months. The Head of State had already done a first extension of 15 months, making a second extension, if the government still plans organising twin elections as has been the case since 2013, only possible through a modification of the abovementioned legal provision. While before the Committee members, the Minister said the legal instrument gave a time limit to extend the mandate of municipal councillors. “But the new version gives no limitation. So the President of the Republic using his discretional powers can decide to extend for one, two, three, four months so that if need be, both elections, we are talking about the twin elections (legislative and municipal), should be held the same day,” Paul Atanga Nji stated. He adds that taking into consideration difficulties and unforeseen circumstances faced recently, it is better to organise the two elections the same day to avoid some expenditure. He further told Senators that the extension will give sufficient time for Elections Cameroon and other stakeholders involved in the ele...