As the clock ticks down to a critical deadline in Cameroon’s electoral process, prominent human rights lawyer and activist Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor Balla has made a resounding appeal to opposition presidential candidates to urgently unite behind a single, consensual candidate. His statement, titled “An Urgent Call for a Coalition,” urges swift and decisive action before Monday, August 11, at 5:00 p.m.
Speaking in the wake of a recent meeting of opposition leaders, which raised hopes of potential collaboration, the President of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa emphasized the need to move beyond symbolic gestures and coalesce around a unified front.
“We hope that today's meeting will midwife a consensual candidate,” he said, highlighting the importance of inclusivity. “Those who were absent must join the fray. We need everyone on board to build a broader, stronger coalition.”
The timing is critical. By Monday evening, all presidential contenders are required by law to confirm the emblem, colour, and title for their ballot papers. Once submitted, the government will begin printing the ballots, regardless of whether candidates later withdraw from the race.
Barrister Agbor Balla warned of the serious implications of failing to reach consensus before the deadline. “In such cases, their names will still appear on the ballot, and some people will still vote for them, splitting the opposition's support and weakening the chosen candidate,” he said. Adding further urgency, he noted that any candidate who withdraws after ballots are printed forfeits the 30million Fcfa caution deposit, with no possibility of reimbursement.
The stakes are high in a nation long dominated by President Paul Biya’s ruling party, with fragmented opposition efforts historically playing into the hands of incumbency.
Many political observers believe a unified opposition ticket could present a serious challenge in the upcoming presidential election, provided it materializes in time.
“This is an urgent appeal to all candidates,” Barrister Agbor Balla stated emphatically. “Join the process of selecting a single candidate before Monday at 5:00 p.m. at the latest. The time to act is now.”
A respected voice in Cameroonian civil society, Barrister Agbor Balla is the President and Founder of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA), and is known for his principled stance on justice and governance.
His call adds mounting pressure on opposition leaders to put aside personal ambitions for the collective interest of democratic renewal.
With just hours remaining before the legal deadline, the nation watches closely to see whether unity will triumph or if once again, a divided opposition will yield to the status quo.
Comments
Post a Comment