If former lady presidential candidate, Edith Kah Walla had her way, the 9 February 2020 legislative and municipal council elections would not hold. The well known rights activist and national president of the CPP party has outlined why in the following petition:
Fellow Cameroonians,
The President of the Republic has convened today the electorate for municipal and legislative elections.
At a time when the entire nation believes that we need to:
↗Rebuild the foundation of the Cameroonian state to redefine the relationship between the citizens we are and the state that should serve us.
↗Redefine the form of the state. All Cameroonians need more autonomy, more resources and more services at the regional and local levels.
↗Reconcile the nation, correct the mistakes of history and build a new Cameroonian identity: Anglophone and Francophone, Mundang and Bafaw, Toupouri, Baforchu, Mbamois and Fulani, all the ethnic groups of our marvelous nation together.
↗ Find quick, practical, effective and sustainable solutions to the problems of water, education, electricity, health and roads.
At a time when we are tired of seeing our children recruited by Boko Haram, the Ambas and the gangs of thieves because they lack schools, jobs and any hope for the future, at this very serious time, what President Biya has found to offer us is elections.
The same rigged elections with the same ELECAM, the same MINAT and the same Constitutional Council that have always failed us.
The same who have always deceived us, the same who have not known since 1991 how to organize elections with a semblance of seriousness. The same who are all, without exception in his camp and on his team.
President Biya is asking us once again and one time too many, after 37 years, he is still asking us to accompany him and help him to consolidate his power.
This time, we say NO! We will no longer accompany this President!
NO to elections without a ceasefire in the Northwest and Southwest and without guaranteeing the safety of all citizens who have to vote throughout the national territory.
NO to elections without a veritable dialogue to:
▶Resolve the Anglophone problem.
▶Redefine the nature of the Cameroonian state.
▶ Redefine the form of the Cameroonian state.
No to elections without the reform of the institutions including the National Assembly and the function of a parliamentarian.
No to elections without a real transfer of powers and resources to local government so that mayors and elected officials can actually solve the problems of Cameroonians.
After 37 years, we say NO! We will no longer accompany this president.
We will also not sit and fold our hands. We will shout NO! in the media, on social media and by any means available.
We will inform and educate our citizens about their rights and duties.
We will carry out non-violent protest to say NO! This time it’s NO!
Cameroon needs Transition, Cameroon needs reconciliation, Cameroon needs to rebuild its foundation.
No distraction, we say NO to Mr. Biya’s elections!
We say YES! To our nation, Cameroon!”