INTRODUCTION
Proxy means a person nominated by a meeting member to attend a company meeting on his behalf and take part in voting and can exercise the same rights as the member appointed by him. To appoint a proxy in Cameroon, the instrument must be in writing and the proxy may not be a member of a company. Proxy also refers to an instrument by which a person is appointed to represent a meeting member in Cameroon.
HOW TO APPOINT A PROXY
Notice of meeting in Cameroon must provide for members’ right to appoint a proxy. The instrument appointing the proxy must be in writing under the hands of the appointer or his Attorney duly authorized in writing. In a case where it is a company, the proxy instrument must be under a seal or under the hands of an officer or Attorney duly authorized. The written document must be deposited at the registered office or head office of the company.
REVOCATION OF APPOINTMENT
In some cases in Cameroon, a member who appointed a proxy to represent him in a meeting may decide to attend the meeting himself after submitting the proxy. Such a member must revoke the appointment by communicating the same to the company in a timely before the commencement of the meeting. In a situation where the appointment is not successfully revoked, such a member cannot be allowed to attend the meeting as it will result to double attendance.
In conclusion, corporations and their members should endeavor to brief a legal practitioner when in doubt as to the procedure/role of a proxy in the life of a company. Shareholders can protect their interest in a company even in absentia provided they master the usage of an appointed representative in crucial board meetings. Also, a meeting member can actively participate in decision-making via an appointed representative thus the procedure for appointing a proxy in Cameroon must be understood by corporations.
Article by Barr. Mafany Victor Ngando
“The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstance”