President Paul Biya’s appointment of 28 new members into the CPDM’s executive body, the Central Committee, has come under scrutiny as the appointments contradict the party’s constitution.
According to Article 19 of the CPDM Constitution, the Congress elects the National President of the Party as well as members and substitute members of the Central Committee by list ballot.
Although the article allows the chairman to appoint some members to the Central Committee, it clearly states that such appointments should only take place during the holding of a Congress.
Last Congress Held in 2011
It has been over 13 years since the CPDM last held a congress in Yaoundé.
Article 17 of the party’s constitution states that its governing bodies are the Congress, the Central Committee, and the Political Bureau.
Meanwhile, Article 18 outlines that Congress defines the political, economic, social, and cultural orientation of the party and sets the general framework for its action.
“It is held every five years. However, if necessary, this period may be shortened or extended by the Political Bureau. It may be convened in extraordinary session under the conditions set out in Article 22 of these Statutes,” the text prescribes.
Based on these provisions, the CPDM has failed to organise congresses that were due in 2016 and 2021.
The October presidential election approaches, and little indicates that Congress will meet before then.
The party has violated Article 18 and disregarded its own rules about appointing substitutes when a member faces death or resignation.
Although some positions have remained vacant for years, President Paul Biya has only now appointed replacements.
Is the CPDM Chairman Ineligible for the Position?
The CPDM’s statutes clearly state that Congress convenes every five years to elect the chairman and other Central Committee members.
Biya’s mandate as CPDM chairman has expired because the party failed to hold Congress.
As the 2025 elections approach, he plans to run again as the CPDM’s candidate.
Militants of the party say he is their “natural candidate” for the election.
And they say so rightly, because Article 27 of the party text states that the chairman is the party’s automatic presidential candidate.
This means the CPDM has not officially renewed Paul Biya’s mandate, making his continued chairmanship a violation of the party’s own statutes should he contest under the CPDM banner.
At the age of 92, Paul Biya has been President of Cameroon since 1982 and is facing calls from the opposition to step down and give younger persons a chance.
The CPDM recently marked its 40th anniversary, and Biya has been its chairman since its transformation from the Cameroon National Union.
Mimi Mefo Info
