SDF sets conditions to run for 2011 presidential

Written by APA

Tuesday, 07 September 2010 10:33

Leading minority party in Parliament, the Social Democratic Front (SDF) has listed 11 basic prerequisites for its participation in the upcoming elections in the country.

YAOUNDE--Following its national executive committee held in Bamenda, Saturday, the SDF requires the overall revision of the electoral rolls, the scrupulous compliance with the law pertaining to the creation and organisation of the country’s electoral watchdog, Elections Cameroon (ELECAM).

The SDF particularly hints at the provisions related to the autonomy, neutrality and impartiality of officials serving in the ELECAM electoral council and leadership.

The opposition party, which totals 22 MPs, requires the immediate appointment of new ELECAM officials as well as the enforcement of the same provisions on its regional, departmental and communal representations.

It also calls for the introduction of biometric data in the establishment of electoral rolls and voting cards as well as the absolute and unequivocal exclusion of the Territorial Administration ministry from the electoral process.

The party recommends the implication of political parties in all decision-making bodies, particularly within all the commissions tasked with the organisation and conduct of polls.

The prerequisites include the establishment of a single ballot paper and a two-round system for the presidential election, in addition to granting an effective financial autonomy to the ELECAM.

While pleading for the effective participation of the Cameroonian Diaspora in the polls, the party also demands the institution of clear measures banning the involvement of civil servants, public and semi-public authorities in the electoral campaigns.

Though voiced at every opportunity by the SDF, most of these requirements have never been considered by the ruling party.

Accordingly, this opposition party has stayed away from the ongoing registration on electoral rolls.

The SDF communication officer, Beatrice Anembom Monju, recently said “we are not committed to the electoral registration operations. Our party’s stand towards the ELECAM remains unaltered.

As long as the incumbent leadership is at the helm, the SDF will not work with this body.”

Notwithstanding such declarations, the ELECAM has been publishing the lists of staffs serving in the electoral registration commissions throughout the country, with SDF representatives featured on a hierarchical base.

The next presidential election in Cameroon is billed for 2011.