The extension of the mandates for Members of Parliament (MPs) and Municipal Councilors by one year has ignited political controversy. Bochong Aku Elhadj Lawan Bako, Chairman of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and spokesperson for the presidential majority, shared his concerns in an interview with The Hilltop Mail Community Online Newspaper.
Bako claims that the extension is a deliberate maneuver by certain political factions to remove President Paul Biya from power. He believes that this move will exacerbate the Anglophone Crisis, which could have seen progress with fresh perspectives from new MPs proposing solutions. He criticized the current MPs for failing to address the crisis and for their involvement in a controversial memo advocating the deportation of Cameroonian children from the USA.
Addressing the logistical argument that organizing four major elections in 2025 would be too burdensome for the government, Bako dismissed it as unfounded. He pointed out that maintaining the 2025 election calendar is more practical, with a seven-month interval between elections, compared to the five-month interval if shifted to 2026.
Bako also noted that the extension might benefit opposition parties, allowing them time to unite behind a single candidate for the 2025 presidential race. He highlighted issues like fuel price hikes and the high cost of obtaining a national identity card as potential rallying points against the incumbent.
Bako further expressed frustration with certain government officials, accusing them of damaging President Biya’s legacy through poor policies and unacceptable behaviour. He urged the President to address these issues without delay.
The extension, which falls within the powers of the Head of State, has been viewed by many opposition leaders and supporters as a strategic move to sideline key challengers like Hon. Cabral Libi of PCRN and Prof. Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC), who were poised to make significant gains in the upcoming elections.
By Nfor Nkfu
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