The solemn proclamation of the results of the legislative by-elections held on March 22, 2020, is scheduled for April 7, in Yaoundé. However, it is already known that CPDM has won all of the 13 seats in the 11 constituencies involved. 

The 11 constituencies concerned are Menchum-North, Bui-Ouest, Mezam-Sud, Bui-Centre, Bui-Sud, Mezam-Centre, Momo-Est, Menchum-Sud, Momo-Ouest and Mezam-Nord in the North-West region; and Lebialem in the South-West.

On April 2, at the Yaoundé Conference center, the Constitutional Council pronounced its verdict under the chairmanship of Clement Atangana.

After examining the 12 appeals, lodged by opposition party SDF, for the total annulment of the by-election, the court ruled that they were "unfounded". The opposition party, which claims the English-speaking area of the country as its natural base, was not represented at the hearing.

Joshua Osih,  vice-president of the SDF described the dispute as a "farce". "The Council is in the process of disavowing itself, refusing to apply its jurisprudence. No agent of Elecam or CPDM can set foot in Lebialem or Oku. How can an elector trek for 94 km and return the same way? " the recently appointed deputy quaestor at the National Assembly said.

According to the SDF, the fact that Elecam grouped polling stations without first informing voters reduced the level of participation because some voters did not know exactly where to vote.

With 152 deputies out of 180, Paul Biya's party has increased its influence on the lower house of parliament. For the first time in 23 years, no opposition party will be able to form a parliamentary group.

BE