Political Parties Begin Depositing Files

The Constitutional Council, as the legal authority charged with ensuring the regularity of the election of Members of Parliament, have begun receiving the copies of files from representatives of political parties interested in participating in the Senatorial election. By press time yesterday January 30, 2023, information from officials of the institution indicate that two political parties had submitted their documents and were issued receipts in acknowledgement. The first to submit was the ‘Jeunesse démocratique du Cameroun’ (JDC) on Sunday January 29,2023. Then followed the Union des populations du Cameroun (UPC) which deposited its documents yesterday January 30, 2023. 
In essence, the Electoral Code in its Section 164(2) states that a copy of nomination papers shall immediately after deposit at the General Directorate of Elections or at the divisional branch of Elections Cameroon, be sent to the Constitutional Council by the candidate or his representative, against acknowledgment of receipt. With the deadline of submission at ELECAM being January 28, 2023 at midnight, it is evident that political parties after their deposit at the elections management body, could only submit at the Constitutional Council at such time. Just like ELECAM, the Constitutional Council will examine the documents submitted in oder to make informed decisions in case of electoral petitions. After receipt of the files, the Constitutional Council shall publish the list on its notice board for the public to be cognisant. 
Besides receiving nomination papers, the law gives the Constitutional Council the prerogative to listen and rule...