The die has been cast and political parties vying for seats at the National Assembly and Councils now have the ball in their court. After the convening of the Electoral College for council and parliamentary elections for September 30, 2013, political parties hoping to be part of the battle have just over a week to submit their nomination papers to Elections Cameroon (ELECAM).
In line with the rules, gates of ELECAM divisional branches have been thrown wide open to receive nomination papers from candidates hoping to go in for parliamentary elections. As per the provisions of the Electoral Code in its Section 164 (1) "Candidatures within 15 days from the convening of the electorate, shall be made out in nomination paper in triplicate, bearing the legalised signature of candidates." (2) "Such nomination paper shall be submitted and registered, against a receipt, at the General Directorate of Elections or at the divisional branch of Elections Cameroon of the constituency concerned. A copy thereof shall immediately be sent to the Constitutional Council by the candidate or his representative, against acknowledgment of receipt."
It is within this framework that ELECAM divisional branch heads in the Centre Region were Friday, July 5 to 6, 2013 in school in Yaounde to learn how to receive and process nomination papers. The Mfoundi Divisional Head for ELECAM, Ehongo Bessala, explained that they were trained on how to receive political parties with nomination papers for aspiring parliamentarians. He stressed that all members of his staff have been mobilised and trained to receive nomination papers and the stage has been set to do all that is required of them. He however, noted that the ball is now in the court of political parties.
Owing to the fact that candidatures for elections of councillors are supposed to be submitted at ELECAM council branches, offices have been prepared for the exercise. Information from ELECAM VI Branch office near the Gendarmerie Headquarters at Melen, Yaounde says expectations are rife that candidates might begin submitting nomination papers as from today Monday, July 8, 2013. The Branch Head, Aboubakar Garba told Cameroon Tribune that his office and personnel were ready for any eventuality.
