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2024 PCC Elections

The document outlines the electoral process and criteria for leadership positions within the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC), emphasizing the importance of fair and transparent elections. It highlights the need for spiritual maturity and integrity among candidates, while also addressing issues of power struggles and mistrust within the church. A new manual for elections has been adopted to ensure adherence to these principles and to promote unity and accountability in church leadership.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
17 views23 pages

2024 PCC Elections

The document outlines the electoral process and criteria for leadership positions within the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC), emphasizing the importance of fair and transparent elections. It highlights the need for spiritual maturity and integrity among candidates, while also addressing issues of power struggles and mistrust within the church. A new manual for elections has been adopted to ensure adherence to these principles and to promote unity and accountability in church leadership.

Uploaded by

Lum Afanwi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Foreword

Dear Presbyterians,

We bring you greetings from the Holy Hills of the Synod Office
Buea in the name of the Holy Triune God. We continue to
prayerfully wish you hope and peace in the midst of very trying
circumstances in this New Year and in an exacting electoral year
of our Church.

Constitutionally and practically, the basic governing structures


and organs of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) are
renewed every five years through elections. These elections
begin from the congregations to the Presbyteries and culminate
in the elections of the Moderator and Synod Clerk. Someone said
we shot ourselves on the leg by choosing democracy to select
Church leaders. Which other better method exists to select
leaders if not to allow followers prayerfully elect their own
leaders. In addition; the love for power and position is an
obvious area of human weakness both in ancient history and in
contemporary times. The sad thing is that, this unbridled love
for power and scheming during elections is gaining root in the
Church - the body of Christ.

Dear Presbyterians, it is sorrowful to mention that the


consequences and the effects of the last elections are still felt in
the Church today, in the form of mistrust, long standing enmity,
indifference to commitment and stewardship, resentment,
organized resistance and rebellion. These things do not bring
honour to the name of God and they do not reflect our identity
as Christians. In fact, what lessons can we give the world if we
cannot be honest and peaceful in church elections. Every
Presbyterian must say NO to any activity that would jeopardize
free and fair elections at the different levels of our Church.

Thus, the Synod of Rejuvenation meeting in Buea, on the 6


November 2023, after serious scrutiny of the recommendations
from the Constitution Committee adopted this “Manual for
1
elections in the PCC.” This manual complements the Constitution
of the PCC, the Book of Orders and the Handbooks and By-laws
of the Movements, the Choir Associations and Religious Orders,
to ensure that this very important, divine and decisive activity
of the Church is done in all fairness, credibility, transparency,
maturity, acceptability and integrity.

This manual is insisting on the spiritual and practical


qualifications into any post of responsibility. The scrutiny in this
regard shall be aided by use of a test and score form. Those
handling that form should be very honest and not be vindictive.
We would ask that no aspect of this manual be manipulated to
suit any aspirant in anyway. Let the manual and criteria be
applied as objectively and blindly as it is. It will no doubt on its
own favour some Christians and disfavour others; it will favour
some Pastors and disfavour others, but that is how it should be,
for not everyone can ever be eligible and ripe enough to lead the
Church. This manual has strongly invoked the spirit of Christian
discipline by prohibiting rioters, placard carriers and social media
sponsors from holding offices in the Church.

Lastly, for the first time, the elections of the Sisterhood


Emmanuel Bafut (Akum&Foumbot) have been captured here
also, this shows that the elections in our Church are in the spirit
of unity and fellowship. It is one Church, one Lord and one
Constitution

Dear Presbyterians, this manual is the work of the Synod, the


highest ruling body of the PCC, it must be followed strictly.
Where there is need for further explanations; the local electoral
bodies shall answer and further adjudications could go up to the
Constitution Committee and the Synod Committee Executive.
We pray we do not reach such ignoble levels such as election
disputes. We severely warn of grave sanctions for those who
shall be found cheating and obstructing the will of the voters.
We are sure that God’s Spirit will judge those who bring
confusion in his house of worship.

2
My dear brothers and sisters, we are on our knees begging you
for the sake of the faith and for the love of Christ, not to allow
the devil to use you to scatter God’s Church in the name of
elections. It is Jesus Christ who says the greatest is the least and
servant of all. Leadership is not for fame or for fallouts, it is a
call to service and sacrifice. We are all leaders in our own rights
and relevant before God for which ever area of service we
engage in the Church. We all cannot be President, Elder,
Chairman, Moderator all at the same time.

Aspiring to serve in any of the elected offices of the Church is a


call to participate in the custodianship of the things of the Lord
in his pilgrim Church as we progress to his consummated
Church. Not everyone who aspires to serve in the Church is
qualified to serve. The Lord says that man looks at the outward
appearance or the physical person, but God looks at the heart
where secret thoughts and plans are hidden but known by him.

This is not an exercise to be emotionally sympathetic, but to be


spiritually and intellectually objective. In our complex,
complicated and compromising world, God needs real leaders
from the local congregations to the Synod Office to lead his
Church-our Church.

It is our prayer and hope that God will stand by every devoted
Christian of the PCC who has a role to play to give his/her best
to our Church at these elections. The Synod of Rejuvenation
therefore sanctioned this manual for elections in the PCC for use
in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Christ-Head of
his Church.

3
Introduction

1. The Constitution of the PCC therefore, provides the criteria for eligibility to
post of Elders, Executive Officers of our Movements, Choir Associations and
Religious Orders as spelt out in Article 45-47 as follows:

2. Article 45.
Following the model of the New Testament, Church Elders, shall be elected from
suitable members of the congregation, and set apart and dedicated to seeing that
the Body of Christ is built on a solid foundation, and that its members follow and
abide by God’s law in reverence and holiness.

3. The Criteria for eligibility:


According to Article 45, Elders, Leaders of Movements and Choir Associations,
Religious Orders should be “Suitable members” of each congregation, Movement
and Choir Associations, Religious Orders of the PCC who have the following
qualities:

a.Who are spiritually mature and of unquestionable Character.


b.Who are filled with wisdom
c.Who have good public relations and concern for people.
d.Who have vision, foresight and creativity.
e.Who are experienced and organised.
f.Who are impartial.
g.Who are of oneness of purpose.
h.Who are capable of taking decisions.
i.Who are ready to assume responsibility ((Acts 6:1-7) (See Book of
Orders Chapter X, paragraph 1, page 93)
4. An Elder, Executive officer of a Movement, Choir Associations and Religious
Orders shall not be a Pastor’s spouse, because he/she is an integral part of the
Pastor (See Book of Orders Chapter X, paragraph 2)
5. Article 46.
To be eligible for election as an Elder, Executive officer of a Movement, and
Choirs Associations and Religious Orders you shall be a full and participating
communicant of the PCC, whose life and character are estimated to be exemplary
in keeping with the Holy Scriptures as recorded in 1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:5-7.
4
Testing Christians before handing over to them certain responsibilities in the
Congregation, Movements, Choir Associations and Religious Orders is
scriptural. It has not been forgotten in Christendom and especially in the PCC.

Part Two

5.1 Evaluation Form 2024 Elections in the PCC


1 Timothy 3:10 “Test them first”
(Elders, Executives officers of Movements and Choirs Associations and Religious Orders).

Table 1

5.1. Biblical Provisions


Criteria for Spiritual Leadership 1 Timothy 1:5-9; Acts 6:
1 2 3 4 5
1. Must be faithful to his wife
2. Must be faithful to her husband
3. Should be temperate
4. Should be self-controlled
5. Should be respectable
6. Should be hospitable
7. Should be able to teach the Word of God
8. Should not be a drunkard
9. Should not be violent
10. Should be gentle
11. Should not be quarrelsome
12. Should not be a lover of money
13. Should manage his/her home well
14. Should be respected in and out of the home
15. Should have been three years in the congregation
16. Should have been three years in the group
17. Should have a good reputation in and out of the church
18. Must be worthy of respect
19. Must be sincere
20. Must not be pursuing dishonest gain
21. Must keep to the truths of the Bible
22. Must be prayerful
23. Must be one who studies the Bible and can teach others
24. Must not be greedy
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25. Must have faithful children
26. Must be full of wisdom
27. Must be a good Communicator

5.2. Traditional Provision

28. Harvest Thanksgiving: 2021-2023


29. Attendance Divine Services 2021-2023
30. Holy Communion attendance 2021-2023
31. Midweek bible studies/ Prayers
32. Preparatory Services 2021-2023
33. Church Contribution 2021-2023
34. Fundraising 2021-2023 for projects
35. Contributes for bereaved Christians 2021-2023
36. Tithing
37. Regular in Church
38. Regular in group practices
39. Involve in personal and collective Evangelism
40. Involved in visitations
41. Contribution towards Church Projects
42. Group Dues
43. Group Attendance
44. Group Projects
45. Respect elders, Church hierarchy, group Executives
46. Does not owe people in and outside the Church
47. Easily takes and carry instructions
48. Respect people; prayerful and devoted to God
49. Honest and can be trusted in little things

5.3. Provisions by Reason


50. Medical Certificate of fitness
51. ID Card
52. Birth Certificate
53. Passport
54. Status
55. Occupation
56. Village
57. Division
58. Region
59. IDP
60. Refugee
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61. Widow
62. Widower
63. Nationality
64. Residence: Location: Telephone no.

6. Article 47.
An Elder, Executive officer of a Movement or Choir Associations may be:
a. Male or Female,
b. Married or unmarried,
c. Spiritually mature, and
d. Of Reasonable age
e. Should be a member in good standing in the congregation, Movements and
Choir Associations and Religious Orders for not less than three years
immediately preceding election. Each congregation, Movement, Choir
Associations, and Religious Orders shall ensure that at least one of the elders
is a youth. Eldership, Executive Office in Movements, Choir Associations and
Religious Orders are not transferable. In case an elder, Executive officer of a
Movement, Choir Associations and Religious Order, dies, leaves the
congregation, Movement and Choir Association or is disciplined, the Elder,
Leader of the Movement, Choir Association, and Religious Order shall be
replaced through a by-election.
7. Those who are not permitted to participate in any of the elections shall include
the following:
a. Backsliders
b. Those vying for positions using vulgar-language especially hate speech.
c. Those who have not made one year in the congregation, Movements and
Choir Associations.
d. Those who disrespect the Constitution used to organize these elections.
e. Those who have not updated their PCC Church membership card, group’s
membership Card from 2021-2023.
8. Those who cannot stand for any office as elders, group Executive officers shall
include the following:
a) Those who had been elders and resigned without finishing their (5) five
years term.
b) Those who were elders and were disciplined.
c) Those owing money to group members, the congregation, Presbytery and
outsiders.
7
d) Those who have dual or triple church membership i.e. in the PCC; and in
other denominations where they pay allegiance as Christians.
e) Those who have once organized demonstrations in the congregation with
placards and used the social media to scandalize the PCC.
f) Those who have not been formally registered or attended the Movements
(CYF, CWF and CMF), Choirs Associations for up to (3) three years.
g) Those with a criminal record.

Part Three
Procedures
9. Procedures: The Book of Orders provides the procedures for elections
in the PCC. (See Book of Orders, PCC, Chapter X, page 93-100)

10. Electoral Procedures


Voting shall be permissible only to registered members of each Congregation,
Movement and Choir Association of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon,
PCC. Observers and backsliders shall not have voting rights.
11. Election of Elders, Leaders of Movements and Choir Associations
In the year of re-organization, the Synod Clerk shall send out letters to all
Heads of Departments, Institutions, Presbyterial Secretaries, Pastors and
congregations, reminding them of all the modalities of the various elections to
be conducted from Congregation, Presbyteries, Movements, and Choir
Associations.
a) In addition to the criteria for eligibility to the post of Elder, Leaders of
Movements and Choir Associations, Religious Orders, as spelt out in the
Constitution, an Elder, Leader of Movement and Choir Associations, shall
not be a Pastor’s spouse because he/she is an integral part of the Pastor.
b) Considering the demanding role of Elders, Leaders of Movements and
Choirs Associations and Religious Orders as spelt out in the Constitution
(Article 55-69); an Elder, Leader of a Movement and Choir Associations
who has been elected as Chairman of a congregation, shall not be elected
as President of a Movement or Choir Association.
c) Elders and Leaders of a Movement and Choir Association; election shall
be conducted by an Electoral Commission (seven members for
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congregations, Movements and Choir Associations of five hundred
communicants (see Handbook of Movements and Choir Associations) and
above, and five members for congregations less than five hundred
communicants).

12. Electoral Commission


Table 2
Electoral Commission members Communicants on Roll
Seven (7) Five (500) hundred and above
Five (5) Below five hundred (500)

d) The Electoral Commission shall be elected by the congregation in a


congregational meeting and by delegates in a Presbytery meeting.
e) Members of the Electoral Commission shall be Active communicant members
of the PCC with exemplary character and shall not exhibit any attitude of
favouritism during the electoral process.
f) The members of this commission shall be dedicated in a divine service by the
Pastor.
g) Members of the Electoral Commission are not eligible to be nominated or
elected as Elder, Leaders of Movements and Choir Associations.
h) The Electoral Commission shall elect its Chairperson and Secretary.
i) The Parish Pastor (and Associate Pastor where applicable) is an ex-officio
member or are ex-officio members of the Electoral Commission.
j) Nominations shall be declared open in a Congregational Meeting by the Pastor
after reading the criteria for eligibility as enshrined in the Constitution
(Articles 45-47) and Articles 1 and 2 above.
k) Nominations shall be by secret ballot.
l) The Electoral Commission shall count and declare the results of the
nominations in full view of the Congregation, Movement and Choir
Association Meeting.
Example: Voting Sheet
Table 3
SN Nominees Votes Remarks Position
1) Samuel 100 1st 1st
2) Susan 75 7th

9
3) Ebong 80 6th
4) Bessem 96 5th
5) Tem 97 4th
6) David 99 2nd 2nd
7) Patricia 98 3rd 3rd

Results Sheet
Table 4
SN Names Votes Position
1. Samuel 100 1st
2. David 99 2nd
3. Patricia 98 3rd

Signature………………….. Signature……………………. Signature…………………

Mr. Gregory Tah Miss Bume Ngwe Rev. Samuel X


Chairman Electoral Secretary Electoral Parish Pastor
Commission Commission Ex-officio Member
Electoral Commission

Note: These Results should be produced in three copies, one copy kept by the
Parish Pastor, a copy sent to the Presbyterial Secretary, and one copy in the file.

13. The number of nominees selected for election should be above the number
of required Elders for the congregation. For example:
I. Number of Elders needed 10
II. Nominations: 12 Nominees
a) The list of nominees shall be posted on a board for a period of at least one
weeks prior to the date of election.
b) During this time a nominee can decline if he/she so desires. Also, during
this time a Christian who has any objection to the nomination of a

10
candidate could do so in writing to the Electoral Commission, which will
examine the case and either reject or accept the candidate.
c) The Electoral Commission shall prepare material for election before the
Congregation Meeting. For example:
1. A Transparent plastic Bucket for collection of the envelopes.
2. Voting papers; or
3. Grains of different species according to the number of Candidates. (for
Rural areas)
4. A secluded space in church, around the altar section where these
papers are kept. This will enable each Christian to go in and select
Ballot papers according to the candidate of their choice. Put in the
envelop, come out put into the Transparent plastic Bucket in the view
of every Christian.
5. Envelopes
6. A Current Congregational Register with the names of all Christians
from 2021- 2023.
d) Elections shall be conducted in a Congregational Meeting by secret ballot
and the results shall be proclaimed in the same Congregational Meeting by
the Electoral Commission.
e) The same Congregational Meeting shall proceed to the election of officers of
the Session. This shall still be conducted by the Electoral Commission by
secret ballot.

1. The Session shall comprise of the following:


a) The Chairperson (female/male)
b) The Vice Chairperson (male/female).
c) The Secretary (Can be an Elder or Not).
d) The Vice Secretary (not necessarily an Elder)
e) The Treasurer (not necessarily an Elder)
f) Appointed or Elected Finance Secretaries
15. The Finance Secretary: The Synod Meeting of November 6 2023,
resolved as follows:
a) That Big Congregations with annual income greater than 50
million frs CFA shall henceforth not vote a Finance Secretary.
b) That Finance Officers employed by the Church shall fill in the
post of the Finance Secretaries where applicable. (See Acts and
Decisions of Synod November 6, 2023).

11
g) The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Congregation shall not be of
the same sex and must have served as Elders for at least five years
immediately preceding the election (see article 54 (iii) of the Constitution).
h) The Chairperson is a delegate to the Presbytery Meeting. The other
delegate(s) to the Presbytery Meeting shall be elected in this same
Congregational Meeting from among the elected elders.
i) Delegates to the Presbytery Meeting shall not be of the same sex and must
be Elders (see Constitution, Article 78 (i c).
j) After the proclamation of the results of the various elections, the Electoral
Commission shall hand the results to the Parish Pastor and the Electoral
Commission shall be dissolved instantly.
k) After the election of the elders, the session will now re-organize the election
of Executive members of the Choirs Associations and Movements.

16. Election of Presbytery Chairperson and Vice


16.1 Article 86 (i) of the Constitution stipulates that: “The Chairperson and
Vice- Chairperson of the Presbytery Meeting who have served as elders for at
least five years in their congregations immediately preceding the election”.

16.2 The election of the Presbytery Chairperson and Vice shall be conducted by
an Electoral Commission of five members elected among Presbytery Meeting
delegates.
Example:
a) The Chairman of Electoral Commission
b) The Secretary of the Electoral Commission
c) Member
d) Member
e) Member
f) Presbyterial Secretary Ex-officio.
16.3 The members must be delegates to the Presbytery Meeting and shall not be
of the same sex. Should be able to read and write in the case of town groups and
congregations.
a) The Presbyterial Secretary is ex-officio member of the Electoral
Commission.
16.4 The Composition of the Presbytery Executive:
a) The Presbytery Chairperson.
b) The Vice Presbytery Chairperson.
12
c) The Elders’ Representatives male
d) The Elders’ Representative female
e) The Synod Delegates male or female
f) The Pastors’ Representative
g) The CWF Presbytery President
h) The CMF Presbytery President
i) The CYF Presbytery President
j) Ex-officio: The Presbyterial Secretary,
k) The Presbyterial Treasurer

16.5 The Presbytery Finance Committee:


Ex-officio Members:
a) The Presbyterial Secretary
b) The Presbyterial Treasurer
c) The Presbytery Chairperson/Vice
d) The Chairperson of Finance Committee
e) The Vice Chairperson of Finance Committee
f) The Secretary
g) Member
h) Member
i) Member
j) Member

16.6 Landed Property Committee


Project Committee: This committee only functions when there is a project.
a) Members of the Electoral Commission are not eligible to be nominated as
Presbytery Chairperson and Vice.
b) Nominations to the post of Presbytery Chairperson and Vice shall be done
by secret ballot.
c) The Electoral Commission shall prepare material for nomination and
election. (See no.16 above).
d) The Electoral Commission shall count the nominations in full view of all
the delegates to the Presbytery Meeting.
e) A maximum of three nominees shall be selected to stand election for each
post.
f) Elections shall be conducted by secret ballot.
g) The Electoral Commission shall count the votes in full view of all the
delegates to the Presbytery Meeting.
13
h) The Electoral Commission shall proclaim the results of the elected
Presbytery Chairperson and Vice in the same Presbytery Meeting
immediately the results are ready.
i) The Presbytery Chairperson and Vice shall not be of the same sex.
j) The Presbytery Chairperson is a delegate to the Synod.
k) The other delegate to the Synod shall be elected by the delegates in the
same Presbytery meeting, still to be conducted by the Electoral
Commission and shall be called “Synod Delegate.”
l) Delegates to the Synod shall be GENDER SENSITIVE; must not be of
the same sex.
m) After the proclamation of the various results, the Electoral Commission
shall hand the results to the Presbyterial Secretary and the Electoral
Commission shall be dissolved instantly.

Part Four
A. ELECTION OF MODERATOR AND SYNOD CLERK

In the year of election, the Synod Committee Executive shall set up an


Electoral Commission

B. Composition
The PCC Synod Electoral Commission shall be composed of nine (09)
reputable and committed communicants of the PCC. Four (04) of the nine
members shall be ordained ministers and five (05) un-ordained. The
chairperson, who shall be appointed by the Synod Committee Executive,
shall be a retired ordained minister. The Commission shall elect its secretary
preferably an un-ordained member with legal experience.

a. Retired Ordained Pastor (Chairperson)


b. Ordained Pastor
c. Ordained Pastor
d. Ordained Pastor
e. Un-ordained
f. Un-ordained
g. Un-ordained
h. Un-ordained

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i. Un-ordained

2. Character
The Electoral Commission shall function as an independent body devoid of
any external influence or particular interest in the election. Members of the
Commission shall not be members of the Synod Committee or candidates for
nomination for the election.
3. Function
A) The Commission shall meet the first time in the Synod Office to be
inducted and to familiarize itself with its functions.
B) It shall, with the cooperation of the Synod Clerk, establish the list of
eligible candidates for the offices of Moderator and Synod Clerk following
the conditions under Articles 112 and 114 of the Constitution.
C) The list so established shall be submitted to the Synod Committee
Executive for review. Thereafter, the list shall be sent to reach the
Presbyterial Secretaries at least one month before the date of the
Presbytery meeting in which nominations are to be done on the floor of
the Presbytery Meeting.
D) The Electoral Commission shall draft ballot papers for use in the
nomination exercise and submit same to the Synod Committee Executive
for review. Thereafter, the ballot papers shall be produced and
dispatched to reach the Presbyterial Secretaries prior to the date of the
Presbytery meeting in which nominations shall take place.
E) The Electoral Commission shall designate two (02) competent
communicant members of the PCC to serve as independent observers of
the nomination exercise in each Presbytery. A report of their
observations shall be signed by both of them, sealed and forwarded to the
Chairperson of the Electoral Commission. Three copies of the report shall
be sent to the Synod Committee Executive, one through the Moderator
one through the Synod Clerk, and one to the Electoral Commission.
F) Each Presbytery shall select the names of three (03) candidates for the
office of Moderator and three (03) for the office of Synod Clerk and
tabulate them for each office in order of merit according to the number of
points scored. The results of the nominations must be brought to the
Synod Office within five days at most to be received by the Electoral
Commission.

15
Right To Nominate

G) The nominations for the offices of Moderator and Synod Clerk shall be
done by ordained pastors of the PCC.

The Criteria for eligibility to nominate

1. Shall be Ordained Pastors of the PCC who have not defaulted the
Constitution of the PCC in any way possible.
2. Shall be Pastors who have not been disciplined.
3. Shall be Pastors who are not owing their congregations, Presbytery
and the Central Church or people outside the church.
4. They should not be above (60) sixty years or less than (45) forty-five
years old in the year of election.

H) In the year of elections, the Presbytery Meeting shall hold at least one
month before the month of the Synod meeting.
Example

Election Results from Ngam Presbytery

Nomination for Nomination for Synod Clerk


Moderator
No. Name Points No. Name Points
1 Rev John 3 1 Rev Cate 3
2 Rev Grace 2 2 Rev Ban 2
3 Rev Abum 1 3 Rev Zem 1

The names so selected together with the used and unused ballot papers shall
be signed by the Presbytery Executive, sealed in envelopes signed by the
Presbytery officers and forwarded to the chairperson of the Electoral
Commission who acknowledges receipt of the envelopes. Meanwhile, three
sealed envelopes of the results signed by the Presbytery Officers are
forwarded to the Moderator, Synod Clerk, and the Chairperson of the
Electoral Commission. The seals of the envelope of the Chairperson of the
Electoral Commission shall be broken in a meeting of the Electoral
Commission in full view of all the members.

16
I) The Commission shall examine and screen the list of candidates
submitted by the different Presbyteries with a view of selecting three
(03) for the office of Moderator, and three (03) for the office of Synod
Clerk in order of merit according to the number of points scored by each.
It shall thereafter present its findings to the Synod Committee Executive.
J) The Electoral Commission shall receive and deliberate on all petitions and
shortcomings concerning the election at all levels and submit its findings
to the Synod Committee Executive. Each petition shall be decided upon
by the Synod Exco. All its deliberations shall be confidential and shall take
place only in the Synod Office.
K) Members of the Electoral Commission shall be responsible for the
counting of votes during the election exercise at both Synod Committee
and Synod levels. The proclamation of results in each case shall be made
by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
L) Where there is a conflict between Presbyteries and observer’s reports,
investigations should be carried out in the field within one week to
establish the truth by the Electoral Commission.
M)After the proclamation of the results at the level of the Synod, the
Electoral Commission shall be dissolved instant

Part Five

ELECTIONS FOR MOVEMENTS AND CHOIRS ASSOCIATIONS IN


THE PCC

1. Elections
I. At all levels elections shall be by Secret Ballot.
II. Members seeking elections into any Executive office in a Movement, Choir
Association, shall be active communicant members of the PCC for the past three
(3) years, and in good standing in their congregations and groups.
III. Following the model of the early Christian Church, lay persons were elected
to assist in the management of God’s children to see that the Body of Christ is
built on a solid foundation (Acts 6: 16). The Christian shall carry out elections
in accordance with the Constitution of the PCC, the Book of Orders and Synod
guidelines from the office of the Synod Clerk of the PCC.

17
2. Term of Office
1) Officers at Group, Zonal and Presbytery, Regional and National levels
shall hold office for a term of 5 years renewable once. Thereafter, they
can only stand elections for a different Office.
2) One person shall not hold two leadership positions at a time.
3) In the Women’ Work Department (WWD), the Women’ Work Helper
(WWH) shall be elected to hold office for 5 (five) years renewable
once.
4) The National Presidents in the Movements, Choirs Associations and
Vice shall serve for five (5) years renewable once.

3. Program for Elections


a. Introduction of election modalities and general remarks
b. Reading of Bible texts Acts 6:2-7 and 1 Cor. 4: 1-2
c. Comment on spiritual leadership:
d. From the readings, it is very clear that a leader in a Christian group must
be a person who is filled with the Holy Spirit. If a candidate lacks this
gift even though she may have a lot of other qualities, she shall not be
elected. If a person’s life is under control of the Holy Spirit, her
character will prove that he/she is fit to be a leader and the following
qualities will be seen in her/him:
e. He/She must have good reputation, well respected.
f. He/She must have a good character and behaviour.
g. He/She must be a good example in her family, church and society.
h. He/She must be self-controlled and spiritually mature.
i. He/She must be willing to devote time to teach others what he/she has
learned.
j. He/She must be a good listener and communicator.
k. Above all, he/she must be a woman/man of prayer.
l. Pray for God’s guidance.
m. A word of thanks and appreciation to the out-going leaders.
n. Explain the duties of the officers.
o. Nominations and voting shall all be by secret ballot but counting shall
be in the open.
p. Results of elections shall be proclaimed immediately after the votes
have been counted.
q. A word of encouragement to the new leaders, prayers for the newly
elected.
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4. The Post To Be Contested For in the Movements, Choir Associations
Shall include:
a. The President. (Reserved only for Communicant members of the PCC)
b. The Vice President.(Reserved only for Communicant members of the
PCC)
c. The Secretary. (Reserved only for Communicant members of the PCC
d. The Vice Secretary. . (Reserved only for Communicant members of the
PCC
e. The Treasurer.
f. The Finance Secretary
g. Evangelism Secretary. (Reserved only for Communicant members of
the PCC
h. Project Officer ( only at Group, Presbytery and National levels)
i. Publicity Secretary
j. Sports Secretary
k. Discipline Secretary
l. Social Secretary
m. WWH (only for CWF at Presbytery level).
n. The CWF/CMF/CYF National Presidents and Vice are elected from
Presbytery Presidents who have attended NATCOM meetings for at
least five years. These members must be active registered members in a
group in a PCC congregation, active in the Zone, the Presbytery, and
the Region.
Voting Rights
Those with voting rights in the congregations, the Movements, the Choirs
Associations and other groups, shall include the following:
1) Those who have been active Communicant members of the PCC, in the
congregation, the Movement, the Choir Association for the past three (3)
years without any break.
2) The Zonal Delegates shall be active Communicant members of the PCC,
who have been active in their groups for the past three (3) years.
3) The Presbytery delegates shall be active Communicants members of the
PCC, in their Zones, and the congregation for the past three (3) years.
4) The Regional delegates shall be active communicants of the PCC, in the
Presbytery, the Zones and congregation for the past three (3) years.

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5) National Delegates shall be active Communicant members of the PCC, in
the Region, Presbytery, Zone and the congregation for the past three (3)
years.
6) If someone holds a post at Presbytery or Zonal level he/she shall not also
be a group officer. A by-election shall be conducted to replace him/her.
7) Elders can take up post of responsibility as Executive members in the
Movements, Choirs Associations but not in two Movements or Choirs
Associations.

Representatives of Movements and Choir Associations, the Presbyterial


Secretary shall conduct elections at Presbytery level for Presbytery Officers.

Method of Elections: Nominations and elections shall be done by secret ballot.


Those who cannot write shall say the name of their candidate to the polling officers
who will write for them. All papers shall be collected and sorted out, and the first
three nominees shall contest for the given post.
5.
a) These Ballot papers shall be printed by the electoral commission of the
Presbyteries, the Regions, and National Secretaries LTE,
WOMENS’WORK DEPARTMENT, MENS’ WORK DEPARTMENT, YOUTH
WORK DEPARTMENT of the PCC and distributed to the various
Presbyteries, Parishes, and congregations.
The electoral commission shall determine the material to be used.
The National, Regional elections, Zonal and Group elections shall follow the
same procedure as outlined above.

Eligibility
Those eligible for election shall show proof of their membership in the congregation,
Movements and Choir Associations by presenting the following:
a). Their PCC Church membership cards as an active Communicant member for the
past three (3) years,
b) .The Movement membership Cards as an active dedicated member for the past
three (3) years and
c). The Choir Association membership card as an active dedicated member for the
past three (3) years.
d). Exceptions to (a-c) the above can occur only in newly inaugurated groups;

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e). They should not be debtors, owing in the congregation, the Movement, and
the Choir Associations.
f). They should not be members who have taken part in any demonstrations
with/without placards, posting on the Social Media against the congregation, the
Presbytery, the Movements and the Choir Associations and the PCC,
g). They should be communicant members of the PCC who have not gone in for a
second Baptism in any other Church.
h). They should be active Communicant members of the PCC who respect their
Pastors, Elders and Groups Executives.
i) i) They must not have affiliation with any church / denomination or portray
tendencies which are opposed to the doctrine of the PCC.

6. General Provisions for Elections


A Christian member of the PCC seeking to be elected as an Elder, Executive
Officer in the Movements, and Choir Associations must show proof of his/her
active participation in the congregation, in the group in the congregation, the
zone, the Presbytery, the Region and the NATCOM.

a. Voting shall be done by secret ballot, in a Congregational Meeting, and


during the General Assembly of the Movements and Choir Associations.
b. The quorum for any election to take place shall be 50+1%.
c. Elections shall be supervised by the Electoral Commission for the elections
in the Congregations and at the Presbytery level.

7. Election of Officers: -
a. Group elections shall be supervised by the Parish Pastor and the
Presbytery Officers.
b. Zonal elections shall be supervised by the Presbytery Spiritual Adviser
and the Presbytery Officers.
c. Presbytery elections shall be supervised by the Presbyterial Secretary
in collaboration with the Regional Secretary and Regional President.
d. Regional elections shall be supervised by the National Secretary and
National President in collaboration with the Regional Secretary.
e. NATCOM elections shall be supervised by the Synod Clerk, Secretary
Committee of the Ministry and the National Secretary.
f. The first term of office shall be five years and the members shall be
eligible for re-election in the same office once.
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g. The position of the National President shall be rotatory from among the
CMF Regions.
h. The loss of an office shall result from one of the following reasons
Gross misconduct of the Officer concerned, as per the provisions of the
Book of Orders of the PCC;
Permanent incapacitation;
Incompetence;
Loss of membership in the PCC;
Evidence of belonging to a cult, secret society or any fraternity;
Resignation of the concerned;
Absence for at least six (06) months from his/her functions, except for
unforeseen circumstances.
i. In an election year, the various organs of the Movement shall carry out
an audit prior to elections, in accordance with the Finance Order of the
PCC.

Christian Youth Fellowship - CYF


8. Modalities For CYF Elections
Elections into the Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) Movement follow the
Calendar of Elections in the entire Presbyterian Church in Cameroon. This
shall be at different levels as follows:

1. Group Level;
2. Zonal Level, and
3. Presbytery Level.
4. Regional Level ?
5. National Level ?

9. These elections shall be conducted following the modalities below:


a. Only members who are full communicants of the PCC are eligible
for election.

b. Only youth between 18-30 years old shall stand for elections. Pastors
are however invited to apply wisdom and tact on this matter by doing
a situational analysis of their area / congregation.

c. The member must have been in a local group (congregation) for at


least two years preceding or before the election

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d. No member under discipline in his/ her local congregation shall
qualify for election

e. The member must not be a debtor within or without the congregation

f. The member must not have affiliation with any church /


denomination or portray tendencies which are opposed to the
doctrine of the PCC

g. The member should have zeal for the movement and be willing to
devote time for youth work and if possible, should have a justly
earned regular income.

h. The member must command respect in the congregation and in the


community.

i. The members are expected to have paid at least six months of group
monthly dues before the date of the election. He / she must also
possess a current church membership card bearing a registration
number for the current year. The member is also expected to have
paid the required church contribution rate in the year preceding the
elections. The CYF and church membership cards should be
checked at least two weeks before the elections by the supervising
authorities.

j. The election shall be free for both brothers and sisters.

k. Before the elections an audit should be organized to check the


inventory and any other property of the Movement at whatever level
the elections are conducted.

l. Persons elected shall hold office for five years. Their mandate is
renewable once.

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