Ban on Mobile Phones on Election Day: SDF to Protest Before ELECAM

Opposition parties vying for Cameroon’s presidential stool, have banged at the election management body, Elecam for banning mobile phones on election day.

The Social Democratic Front (SDF) and the PURS political parties have both in separate outings condemned the moves of Elecam which they see as unlawful and against the 1990 law on social communication.

“It is a suicidal decision and ELECAM should be responsible for the consequences,” the SDF says.

“The decision of Elecam is a frightening violation of the spirit of the Social Communications Act of 1990, at the same time that it takes this organization out of its role as organizer. This same decision is worrying as much as it establishes and reinforces citizens’ concerns about the credibility of the work of the Elecam,” PURS says.

The SDF party is planning a public manifestation in front of Elecam’s offices in the coming hours if nothing is done.

In a communique issued this Wednesday September 26, 2018, the Centre regional coordinator of SDF, Emmanuel Ntonga, has called on the members of the party to besiege Elecam’s offices to protest against the move.

“The regional president calls activists, sympathizers of the SDF and supporters of the flagbearer, Osih (Joshua) to demonstrate this Friday September 29, 2018 in front of all agencies, antennas and management of ELECAM in case this decision and provocation is not cancelled latest Thursday, September 27, 2018,” the communique read in part.

On his part, the presidential candidate of PURS, Serge Espoir Matomba, called on Elecam to revoke the decision before hand or face consequences for their action. He equally urged the population, especially sympathizers of PURS, to take necessary measures to kick against Elecam’s decision.

“I call on Elecam leaders to revise their position in order to restore the confidence of the actors of the electoral process. Thus, the different organs of the campaign teams will be able to guarantee the security of the results of the Cameroonian vote and will operate as it is seen on the ground, the change.

“I also call on Cameroonians and members of polling stations not to consider any rule not provided for by law and that would tend to violate the electoral code.

“I also on all political parties to be heard by Elecam, so that the Election Act and the rights of citizens are respected before, during and after the election,” Serge Espoir Matumba said.

It should be recalled that the national election management body, Elecam, announced on Tuesday September 25, 2018, that mobile phones would not be allowed in polling station during the day of elections. The body did not state the reason for the decision.

However, another communique from Elecam released this Wednesday September 26, 2018, says the Director General of Elections, Erik Essouse, would be granting a press conference to address the issue.