Electoral Process in Cameroon

An electoral system/process is one of the most fundamental elements of any representative democracy and has significant impact on political processes.

What are elections?

Elections are formal processes where citizens choose individuals to hold public office. They serve as a foundation for democratic governance, allowing citizens to influence government actions, leadership, and policy direction through voting.

Types of Elections

Cameroon holds several types of elections:

Presidential elections: Held every seven years to elect the president.
Parliamentary elections: To choose members of the National Assembly and Senate.
Municipal elections: For electing local council representatives.
Regional elections: For regional council representatives.

History of Elections in Cameroon

Elections in Cameroon date back to the colonial period. The first elections under French administration occurred in 1946, and British-administered Southern Cameroons followed in the 1950s. After independence in 1960, Cameroon initially operated under a one-party system. It was not until 1992 that Cameroon held its first multiparty presidential election, allowing broader political participation. Despite this, elections have been criticized for being heavily controlled by the ruling party, with widespread accusations of electoral manipulation.

The Legal Framework for Elections in Cameroon

Elections in Cameroon are primarily governed by the 1996 Constitution, subsequent amendments, and the Electoral Code enacted in 2012. These legal frameworks establish the rights of citizens to vote and run for office, stipulate the responsibilities of electoral bodies, and outline election timelines.

What Does the Cameroonian Electoral Code Say?

The Cameroonian Electoral Code governs all aspects of the electoral process, including voter registration, election administration, candidate eligibility, and dispute resolution. It emphasizes the principle of universal suffrage and mandates secret ballots. Additionally, the code requires elections to be free and fair, though in practice, the system faces challenges.

When Are Elections Conducted?

Presidential elections are held every seven years, while parliamentary and municipal elections occur every five years. Elections must be conducted at the end of the sitting government’s term, though delays are not uncommon. Law N°. 2006/11 of 29 December 2006 (as amended in 2008 and 2010) governs the establishment, organization and functioning of Elections Cameroon (ELECAM). The law provides that ELECAM be an independent body charged with the responsibility of organizing, managing and supervising all electoral operations and referendums. The next presidential election is scheduled to take place in 2025.

Criteria for Voting and Voter Eligibility

To vote in Cameroon, one must:

Be a Cameroonian citizen.
Be at least 20 years old.
Not be deprived of civil rights by a court ruling.
Be registered on the electoral roll.

Citizens abroad can also vote in presidential and legislative elections if registered.

Persons can be disqualified as a result of the following:

The conviction of a felony even by default.
The sentence of a term of imprisonment without suspension, of more than

three months.

The sentence of a term of imprisonment with a suspension of more than six

months.

Being the subject of a warrant of arrest.
Being an undischarged bankrupt who has been so adjudged by a Cameroonian court or a foreign judgment enforceable in Cameroon.
Being an insane person or person of unsound mind.

Voting Procedure in Cameroon

Voting is conducted through secret ballots. Voters cast their votes at designated polling stations, and results are transmitted to central authorities. Election observers often report challenges such as long delays, vote buying, and intimidation.

Voter Registration in Cameroon

Voter registration involves eligible citizens (as outlined above) enrolling on the electoral roll at local election offices or special registration drives. Cameroonian citizens must present identification documents to register and for their registration cards to be issued. The process aims to ensure only eligible voters participate in elections, but it has faced accusations of manipulation, with some regions seeing significant under-registration.

The Electoral Process and the Anglophone Crisis

Within the current sociopolitical context, it is important to note that, Cameroon’s electoral process is severely impacted by the ongoing Anglophone crisis. This conflict, rooted in grievances over political marginalization of the Anglophone regions (Northwest and Southwest), has led to widespread violence, displacement, and disruption of elections. Armed separatist groups have boycotted elections, and voters in these regions often face threats of violence, making free and fair elections nearly impossible.

Fraudulent Activities in Cameroon’s Previous Electoral Processes

Cameroon’s electoral processes have long been marred by allegations of fraud, including voter intimidation, rigging, vote-buying, and biased electoral management. Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), the body responsible for overseeing elections, has been accused of lacking independence and favouring the ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM). In particular, the 2018 presidential election, which extended Paul Biya’s long-term presidency, was heavily criticized by opposition parties and international observers for irregularities such as inflated voter turnout in ruling party strongholds, delayed or missing ballots, and the disenfranchisement of voters in conflict zones.

The integrity of elections remains a significant concern in ensuring genuine democratic governance in Cameroon.

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