|
A joint Statement by the UPC and the SDF
We, the undersigned Political Parties:
Considering the continued demand for the institution of an Independent Electoral Commission in Cameroon by both the SDF and the UPC;
Considering the NDI, Commonwealth, La Francophonie and IFES Observer team reports on the 1992 Presidential and 1997 Parliamentary elections that clearly expressed the need for such independent body to organise elections in Cameroon;
Considering the Bill submitted to the National Assembly three years ago by the Parliamentary Group of the SDF and the opposition political parties represented in the National Assembly asking for the amendment of the Constitution to make provisions for the creation of an Independent Electoral Commission;
Considering the failed dialogue between the CPDM and the SDF that failed because the CPDM rejected the need for the creation of an Independent Electoral Commission;
Considering the fraud that has persisted in past elections in Cameroon since 1992;
Considering the poverty, corruption and insecurity created by the degenerating economy and political situation;
Considering the recent call of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Koffi Anna for meaningful dialogue in Cameroon;
Considering the CPDM style of government, based on the absence of good governance, free and fair elections and the rule of law that has led to frustration, general malaise and distrust by former West Cameroonians;
Considering that marginalisation of former West Cameroon has led to the emergence of groups like SCNC that are calling for the secession of former West Cameroon to spare them of the mess created by the ruling oligarchy;
Considering the honest concern and the view of our international friends via their Ambassadors accredited to Cameroon on the issue of the very poor electoral environment in Cameroon;
Considering the distrust of our TOTAL SYSTEM of governance by the international community as testified by the many unfavourable reports by credible international NGOs and Organisations;
Considering the total lack of faith by the Cameroonian people in the electoral process and their increasing dejection;
The SDF and the UPC state categorically that only an Independent Electoral Commission whose members must NOT be selected or financed by the ruling Government should be created;
Preferably, the members must be selected and financed in collaboration with international democratic countries and institutions like the World Bank and the IMF;
This will take charge of ALL ELECTIONS in Cameroon which will help to cleanse the bad image of the country nationally and internationally;
Consequently the SDF and the UPC:
DEMAND the creation of such an organ to handle elections in the country.
CALL on the Cameroonian people and the international community to support them in this quest.
Done in Bamenda this tenth day of July 2000
For and on behalf of our two Parties:
Ni John Fru Ndi
Social Democratic Front (SDF)
Ndeh NTUMAZAH
Union des Populations du Cameroun (UPC)
The end
More documents
| 
