Tchiroma stands by election boycott announced before party’s suspension

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, president of Cameroon’s National Salvation Front (FSNC), reaffirmed on November 2, 2026, that his party would not participate in the upcoming legislative and municipal elections. He maintained that position despite a three-month suspension imposed on the FSNC by Territorial Administration Minister Paul Atanga Nji. The boycott, however, predates the sanction by more than eight months. In a statement issued on February 6, 2026, the FSNC’s central committee had already confirmed its decision to stay out of both elections. The February statement, signed by Elh Moussa Firissou, acting secretary-general of the party’s central committee, described the boycott as an “unchangeable political position” established by Tchiroma. The FSNC argued that the minimum conditions for democratic, transparent, and peaceful elections were not in place. It maintained that participation would amount to legitimizing a government whose officially declared victory in the October 12, 2025, presidential election Tchiroma disputes. The party also cited the memory of those killed during the post-election unrest and the situation of people it considers unlawfully detained. While acknowledging differing views on whether to participate in elections, the FSNC said it would not change its position until the integrity of the electoral process and respect for the will of voters were guaranteed. The clarification came amid disagreements over electoral strategy. On February 6, lawyer Alice Nkom, Tchiroma’s spokesperson, explained that her personal support for certain candidates did not mean the FSNC intended to contest the elections. Since then, the electoral timetable has changed: lawmakers’ terms have been extended until December 20, 2026, while municipal councilors’ terms now run until February 28, 2027. The FSNC’s suspension on October 27, 2026, nevertheless raised concerns about preparations for the upcoming elections. As Stopblablacam reported on October 29, the Cameroon Democratic Union (UDC) and Manidem challenged the political implications of the decision. UDC President Hermine Patricia Tomaïno Ndam Njoya questioned whether the measure was intended to prevent FSNC candidates from preparing for the elections. Manidem, meanwhile, accused the government of attempting to sideline a political opponent through an administrative decision. The boycott announced in February establishes that the FSNC had decided against participating in the elections before the minister intervened. However, that earlier decision does not resolve concerns about the scope of the suspension. Order No. 000163/A/Minat, issued on October 27, prohibits the party from conducting any activities anywhere in Cameroon for three months, regardless of its electoral intentions. To justify the sanction, Paul Atanga Nji cited alleged calls for insurrection, threats to territorial integrity and national unity, incitement to violence that resulted in property destruction, and serious disturbances of public order linked to the 2025 presidential election. The order also refers to the fact that one of the party’s statutory leaders resides abroad. In his November 2 statement, Tchiroma rejected the allegations, dismissed the suspension as a “non-event,” and reaffirmed the boycott. The administrative sanction nevertheless remains in effect unless it is lifted or overturned by a competent authority. Source: Sbbc