The eldest m member of the National Assembly, Marlyse Soppo Toute, has urged political actors to demonstrate responsibility and uphold democratic values ahead of the forthcoming legislative and municipal elections.
She made the appeal while presiding over the opening plenary of the March session yesterday. It was the first time Hon. Marlyse Soppo Toute chaired the provisional bureau of the National Assembly in her capacity as eldest member of the House. Her appointment follows the passing of Laurentine Koa Mfegue, who previously held the position and died on January 22, 2026, during the parliamentary recess. Is circumstance lent a solemn tone to the opening plenary of the first ordinary session of the 2026 legislative year, held on March 10 at the National Assembly. Many lawmakers attended the sitting dressed in black as a mark of respect. The session began with a minute of silence in memory of the late Laurentine Koa Mfegue. The meeting also marked the first parliamentary session since the presidential election held on October 12, 2025, and the swearing-in of the Head of State on November 6, during which he announced that legislative and municipal elections would be organised in the near future.
After confirming that the required quorum had been met, the presiding officer used her opening remarks to call on political actors to show a sense
of responsibility before, during and after the forthcoming elections. She expressed concern over the tensions that erupted in certain parts of the
country following the October 12 presidential election. According to her,
the experience should serve as a lesson ahead of the next electoral cycle.
“I would like to fervently appeal to all political parties that will take part in
the twin elections to assume their responsibilities by properly guiding and
educating their militants during the pre-electoral period,” she said. She
further noted that the tensions witnessed after the presidential poll highlight the need to ensure that the upcoming legislative and municipal
elections are conducted in a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Turning to the municipal elections, the eldest member underscored the
growing importance of local councils within the framework of decentralisation. She noted that municipal authorities have gradually become key actors in the socio-economic development
of the country. For this reason, she stressed the need to preserve
peace not only during the electoral process but also throughout the mandate of the councillors who will emerge from the polls. Hon. Marlyse
Soppo Toute also emphasised the role of the National Assembly as a cornerstone of democratic life. As the principal
forum for political pluralism and freedom of expression, she noted that
the institution requires a stable and peaceful environment in order to effectively fulfil its constitutional missions,
particularly the adoption of laws and the oversight of government
action.
In addition to these national concerns, the presiding officer announced
that the National Assembly would host the 51st plenary session of
the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie in July this year. e international gathering is expected to bring together parliamentarians from across the Francophone world. The opening plenary was attended by several members of government led by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Cameroon.
A.E. LEKE
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