2026 LEGISLATIVE YEAR

National Assembly Opens March 2026 Parliamentary Session with Call for Peaceful Elections

National Assembly Opens March 2026 Parliamentary Session with Call for Peaceful Elections

Cameroon’s bicameral Parliament on Tuesday formally opened the March 2026 Ordinary Session, marking the resumption of legislative activities at both chambers of the country’s law-making institution.

At the National Assembly, the opening sitting was presided over by Soppo Marlise Toute, Member of Parliament for Wouri, who chaired the proceedings as the eldest member of the provisional bureau. Her stewardship of the inaugural sitting followed the passing of Koa Mfegue Laurentine, the late Member of Parliament who previously held the distinction of being the chamber’s eldest legislator and who would ordinarily have presided over the opening ceremony.

Addressing fellow legislators during the solemn sitting, Hon. Soppo Marlise Toute used the occasion to deliver a message centred on national cohesion and democratic responsibility as the country prepares for upcoming municipal and legislative elections. She urged political actors across the spectrum to promote calm and responsible conduct among their supporters.

The presiding MP particularly called on political parties and their leaders to sensitise their militants and sympathisers on the importance of peace and tolerance throughout the electoral process. According to her, safeguarding stability during the campaign period and beyond remains a collective responsibility that must transcend partisan considerations.

Hon. Soppo Marlise Toute emphasised that political competition should be conducted in a spirit of respect for republican institutions and democratic values, stressing that peaceful elections constitute a cornerstone for strengthening the nation’s democratic credentials.

Meanwhile, at the Senate, the opening ceremony of the Upper House was chaired by René Ze Nguele, who presided over the sitting in line with the rules governing inaugural sessions of the chamber.

The March session of the Parliament of Cameroon traditionally provides lawmakers with an opportunity to examine national issues, scrutinise government policies and deliberate on legislative proposals aimed at advancing the country’s development agenda.

With the ceremonial opening completed in both chambers, parliamentary activities are expected to gather momentum in the coming days as lawmakers settle into committee work and plenary deliberations that will shape the legislative landscape of the current session.