"Election Conducted In An Atmosphere of Calm"

Statement released by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation on Sunday April 14 on senate elections in Cameroon.

Ladies and gentleman

Today, Cameroon has witnessed a historic day, a crucial moment that, undoubtedly, constitutes a major landmark, in its political and institutional development.

In effect, and pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution, a decree of the President of the Republic dated 27 February 2013 convened the Electoral College, comprised exclusively of municipal councilors who, this day, Sunday 14 April 2013, elected the first ever senators in the history of Cameroon.

At the end of this memorable day, monitored throughout the national territory by administrative authorities under my supervision, in my capacity as Minister in charge of electoral issues within the Government, and on the basis of the first reports forwarded to me concerning the conduct of this election, I wish to update you as follows :

1) In all polling stations opened in the fifty-eight (58) divisional headquarters, the election was conducted in an atmosphere of calm and order. No incidents were reported.

2) The "major electors" of the day, namely the municipal councillors, turned out massively to the polls and performed their civic duty, in all dignity and total responsibility.

It is worth noting that during the two (2) last weeks, political parties and candidates campaigned freely, according to their different political strategies and guidelines, and with due respect for their opponents. Public funding was allocated in this regard.

On the occasion of this election, the second organized by Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), three thousand, seven hundred and eighty-eight (3788) observers accredited; they include:

- Three thousand, six hundred and sixty-one (3661) national observers;

- And one hundred and seven (107) international observers, among which thirty-six (36) observers from the African Union Mission.

Beyond the concern for transparency, the keen interest manifested for the senatorial elections of this day by various observers contributes, without any doubt, to the credibility of our electoral system and to the consolidation of democracy in our country, as prescribed by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul Biya.

Since the close of polling stations, the different joint electoral commissions are at work.

In the following days, the general vote counting operations will continue at the regional and national levels. Then, within a maximum fifteen (15) days, the official results will be announced. It is worth recalling that the announcement of these official results is the sole prerogative of the Supreme Court, seating in for the Constitutional Council.

I hereby call on all the election stakeholders, especially political parties, various candidates, media professional and our fellow citizens as a whole, to wait calmly for the proclamation of the said official results, which shall pave the way for the effective setting up of the Senate in our country.

Thanks for your kind attention."

Rene Emmanuel SADI