Oldest MP, Laurentine Mfegue, Hails Biya for Fostering Cameroon’s ‘Thriving’ Democracy

By Njong Shey

The oldest Member of Parliament, Hon. Laurentine Koa Mfegue, has showered praises on President Paul Biya for fostering what she described as a thriving democracy in Cameroon.

This happened as she presided over the opening of the March session of the National Assembly today, March 11.

She led the session in the presence of parliamentarians, government officials, judges, and civil society representatives.

“The first ordinary session of the National Assembly for the legislative year 2025 comes at a time when the bells of the presidential election next October in Cameroon are already ringing,” Hon. Mfegue said.

This year is crucial for Cameroon as the country prepares to elect a new president to lead for the next seven years.

Political activities are already intensifying, with parties strategizing to secure the top job.

Recognizing this, the oldest MP acknowledged that the national political scene has been highly active in recent months.

“Certainly, the expected deadline is arousing covetousness, arousing a lot of enthusiasm, such that the interest devoted to it is growing day by day. This enthusiasm, all these desires, and so much truly perceptible interest sufficiently demonstrate the importance of this deadline,” the oldest MP said.

Democracy is a Reality

According to Hon. Laurentine Koa, the excitement surrounding the upcoming presidential election is clear proof that democracy is a reality in Cameroon.

She emphasized that democracy in Cameroon is active and well-exercised, serving as the foundation of national political life.

To her, it is not a democracy of illusion or deception but one that is tangible and functional.

“Whether we like it or not, whether we adhere to its ideals or not, honesty obliges us to recognize a constant truth: the democracy we enjoy today is the result of the vision of one man—Paul Biya, the President of the Republic.”

She referenced speeches President Biya made in the early days of his presidency as evidence of this democratic foundation.

“The truth is there, it is stubborn: Paul Biya is the architect of our democracy. In view of certain beginnings experienced elsewhere, Cameroon appears as a model, a deeply democratic country, a democracy built with method, moderation, and wisdom.”

Cautions Against Pre-election Violence

Hon. Mfegue warned against purported attempts to destabilize Cameroon, urging the political class to approach the upcoming elections with wisdom, patriotism, and full respect for the law.

She emphasized that, beyond personal ambitions, the nation’s well-being should remain the top priority.

She encouraged Cameroonians to leave their homeland better than they found it—preserving it as a prosperous and united nation.

“Faced with the next presidential election and far from sterile polemics or bad gestures, I appeal to the sense of responsibility, to the national conscience of each and every one, so that this deadline takes place in calm, serenity, and in a vision of a Cameroon that must always be on the move for its progress after October 2025.”

She hoped for a successful election that would uphold Cameroon’s stability and future aspirations.

By law, the oldest and youngest MPs preside over the elective session, as the mandate of the Speaker has expired.