Legislative, Municipal Elections: Political Responsibility Encouraged

It is the first time Hon. Marlyse Soppo Toute is heading the provisional bureau of the National Assembly in her capacity as eldest member of the lawmaking House. This follows the passing unto eternity of the former eldest member, Laurentine Koa Mfegue during the recess period, precisely on January 22, 2026. This explains why the opening plenary for the first ordinary session at the National Assembly for the 2026 legislative year which took place yesterday March 10, 2026 was very solemn. Legislators were dressed in black, and the plenary started with a minute of silence in honour of the deceased. It is equally the first session of Parliament after the Presidential election of October 12 and the swearing-in of the President on November 6, 2025 during which he mentioned that the legislative and municipal elections are awaited. After verifying the quorum, the eldest member in her preliminary remarks called on the responsibility of political actors before, during and after the legislative and municipal elections expected to take place in the months ahead. She regretted the post-electoral tensions that occurred in some regions of the country after the October 12 Presidential election. “I would like to fervently appeal to all political parties that would take part in the twin elections to use the period before the elections to assume their responsibilities by effectively providing better guidance and education to their militants. The demerits of the standoff that ensued after the Presidential Election of 12 October 2025 now warrant us to ensure the awaited twin elections are organised in a peaceful atmosphere,” she stated. With regards to municipal elections, the eldest member said Councils wh...