The Cameroon Bar Association has shaken the political scene with a bold and unprecedented statement calling out the Electoral Commission (ELECAM) and the Constitutional Council over the handling of the October 12 presidential election results.
In a sharply worded declaration signed by Bar President Mbah Eric Mbah, the country’s top legal body accused both institutions of being on trial before the people, warning that any attempt to “betray the people’s will” would have serious consequences for peace and democracy.
“The will of the Cameroonian people must not only be heard but fully respected,” the Bar stressed, adding that ELECAM and the Constitutional Council “must demonstrate the highest sense of republican duty, integrity, and transparency.”
The Association, which described itself as a “watchdog of the rule of law,” said it could not remain silent while “institutions tasked with upholding democracy risk becoming instruments of manipulation.”
The Bar’s message comes amid rising tension in some parts of the country following reports of post-election clashes. In the North Region, a Gendarmerie truck was set ablaze Sunday evening after angry residents accused security forces of ballot tampering.
Mbah Eric Mbah condemned what he called “intimidating pronouncements” from public officials and warned that toxic messages on social media and partisan media outlets were further polarizing an already fragile nation.
“These actions threaten peace and undermine public confidence in democratic governance,” he said.
The Bar’s open criticism of the electoral process has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters of the opposition hailed it as “a voice of courage,” while pro-government voices accused the Association of “playing politics under the robe.”
Observers say this is the first time since 2018 that the Cameroon Bar has taken such a confrontational stance against state institutions during an election period — a move that could intensify public scrutiny of the Constitutional Council as it prepares to proclaim the final results.
As tensions rise, one question now hangs in the air:
Will the guardians of the law force the guardians of power to listen to the people?
