14/10/2025
READ ME 🇨🇲 PROJECT C STATEMENT: WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ELECTIONS — STEP BY STEP, ACCORDING TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON
Fellow Cameroonians,
As we approach a historic democratic transition, it is vital that every citizen understands what will happen after Election Day, and how each of our national institutions — including the military, civil service, judiciary, and legislature — must act to uphold peace, stability, and the will of the people.
Here is what the Constitution and good governance demand, step by step:
1. THE PRESIDENT REMAINS IN OFFICE UNTIL INAUGURATION
• The current president continues to serve in full capacity until the new president is officially sworn in. The state never stops functioning.
• There is no power vacuum; all constitutional powers and responsibilities remain in effect.
2. ELECTION RESULTS ARE VERIFIED
• October 12: Cameroonians vote.
• October 13–19: ELECAM counts and consolidates all votes.
• October 20–25: The Constitutional Council reviews, validates, and addresses disputes before officially proclaiming the winner.
• By October 27: The winner is officially announced. Only the Constitutional Council can proclaim the final results.
3. THE TRANSITION PERIOD BEGINS
• The president-elect does not yet govern, but begins working with a transition team to prepare for office.
• The outgoing administration is legally and morally bound to cooperate with the transition team and ensure a smooth handover.
4. WHAT EACH INSTITUTION MUST DO DURING TRANSITION
A. THE MILITARY
• The military’s sole allegiance is to the Constitution and the people — not to any individual or party.
• The armed forces guarantee national security and protect the institutions of the state throughout the transition.
• The military must remain neutral, professional, and non-partisan. Their role is to protect the integrity of the electoral process and the safety of all citizens, not to intervene in politics.
• The military leadership must follow civilian command and ensure no unauthorized deployments or actions are taken.
• Any political interference or attempts at intimidation are strictly forbidden and unconstitutional.
• The new president, upon inauguration, becomes the Commander-in-Chief, and the military is bound by law to recognize and respect this authority.
B. THE CIVIL SERVICE
• Civil servants are the backbone of government continuity. Their duty is to serve the state, not any individual or party.
• Ministries, agencies, and public offices remain open and fully functional throughout the transition.
• All civil servants must ensure proper preservation and transfer of documents, records, and ongoing projects.
• No civil servant may destroy, conceal, or remove public records; such acts are criminal and will be prosecuted.
• The civil service must cooperate fully with the transition team, ensuring all necessary information and institutional memory are preserved for the incoming administration.
• Salaries, public services, and administrative duties continue without disruption.
C. THE JUDICIARY
• The judiciary is the guardian of legality and constitutional order during the transition.
• Courts remain independent and continue to administer justice impartially.
• The judiciary, especially the Constitutional Council, plays a central role in resolving election disputes, validating results, and ensuring all procedures are followed according to the law.
• Any grievances, challenges, or complaints regarding the election or transition process are handled only by competent courts, whose decisions must be respected by all.
• The judiciary also ensures that any crimes — including destruction of state documents or attempts to subvert the transition — are prosecuted according to law.
D. THE LEGISLATURE (NATIONAL ASSEMBLY & SENATE)
• The National Assembly and Senate continue to function and fulfill their legislative and oversight roles.
• Parliament ensures that laws are observed, and may convene to discuss urgent matters or support legislation needed for a smooth transition.
• The legislature may call for hearings or inquiries if there are concerns about the transition process, especially regarding transparency, public order, or protection of state assets.
• Members of parliament represent the people’s interests and must encourage peace, stability, and respect for constitutional order throughout the transition.
• The legislature remains a check on executive power until the new government is formed.
5. KEY ACTIVITIES DURING TRANSITION (ALL INSTITUTIONS COORDINATE)
• The president-elect forms a transition team, which works directly with outgoing officials and all relevant ministries.
• Security briefings, budget reviews, policy planning, and cabinet preparations are conducted.
• All ministries and institutions transfer necessary records, documents, and ongoing work to the incoming administration.
• Weekly public updates on the transition should be provided to keep the population informed and to prevent rumors or destabilization.
• International partners may be invited to observe or provide technical support, but the process remains firmly under Cameroonian control.
6. THE NEW PRESIDENT IS SWORN IN
• By law,the President-elect must assume office within 15 days of the official results being proclaimed.
• The new president takes an oath to uphold the Constitution, guarantee national unity, and serve the people.
• The seven-year presidential term officially begins on inauguration day, and the new administration assumes full authority.
7. CONTINUITY OF THE CAMEROONIAN STATE
• Throughout the transition, the state remains stable and governed by law.
• All public institutions — military, civil service, judiciary, and legislature — must act with professionalism, neutrality, and loyalty to the Constitution.
• The daily life of Cameroonians continues: schools, hospitals, businesses, markets, and public services remain open and functioning.
What Cameroonians Should Do:
• Stay calm and informed. Know that your institutions are working for you.
• Demand transparency and regular updates from all stakeholders.
• Report any irregularities to the appropriate authorities.
• Remain peaceful, respect the process, and engage as active citizens.
REMEMBER:�This transition is not just about changing leaders — it is about strengthening Cameroon’s democracy, institutions, and future. Each institution has a constitutional role to play. If we all do our part, Cameroon will not just survive this transition — we will emerge stronger.
For more information or to report concerns, contact Project C at [email protected].
Project C — Promoting Democracy, Transparency, and Civic Engagement for All Cameroonians.
