Cameroon Archbishop Decries Lack of True Democracy Amidst Political Turmoil
In Cameroon, Archbishop Samuel Kleda asserts that genuine democracy is absent as elections are often rigged in favor of President Paul Biya, who has ruled since 1982. Kleda criticizes the biased electoral body and calls for significant reforms. Political leaders echo these demands, emphasizing the need for transparency and electoral integrity. This unrest coincides with serious social issues, including widespread poverty and regional violence.
In a poignant critique of Cameroon’s political landscape, Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala openly declared that democracy in the nation exists merely in title, with no real substance. “Before the vote, we already know who’s going to win. That’s not democracy,” he stated during an interview with Equinox TV. President Paul Biya, who has held power since 1982, exemplifies this issue as he approaches his 91st birthday, highlighting the challenges posed by prolonged leadership amid alleged electoral fraud and manipulation. Although Biya acquiesced to the establishment of a democratic framework in 1992, elections have consistently been marred by accusations of deceit and unfair practices.
Archbishop Kleda specifically criticized the electoral management body, Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), suggesting its inherent bias due to the preponderance of members affiliated with Biya’s political party. Additionally, he questioned the legitimacy of an electoral process where outcomes seem predetermined. This sentiment is echoed by other political figures, such as Prince Ekosso from the United Socialist Democratic Party, who outlined the need for significant reforms, including adjusting the voting age and streamlining the voting process.
National Secretary Muma Bih Yvonne from the Cameroon Social Democratic Front offered similar insights, calling for a comprehensive revision of the electoral code to improve accessibility and efficiency in voter registration, asserting, “We all know that in every civilized democracy, the electoral calendar is known well in advance. That’s not the case with Cameroon.”
Kleda underscored the importance of enacting reforms necessary to ensure elections are conducted fairly and transparently. He remarked that achieving these changes would enable true electoral outcomes, stating, “If these conditions are met, we’ll truly see who wins elections in our country.” The historical context surrounding Cameroon’s political struggles reveals a complicated relationship between governance, civil society, and ongoing social issues, notably pervasive poverty and regional tensions among the English-speaking populace.
Cameroon is currently facing a complex socio-political situation marked by prolonged leadership under President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state. Biya’s tenure since 1982 has led to allegations of authoritarian governance and electoral misconduct. The nation’s electoral body, Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), is perceived as lacking independence, with criticisms surrounding its composition and the integrity of the electoral process. The growing frustrations expressed by religious and political leaders highlight the urgency for reform in a political system fraught with disillusionment and skepticism. The social landscape, characterized by poverty and regional conflicts, further complicates the quest for genuine democratic practices in the country.
The prevailing sentiment among Cameroon’s clergy and political leaders indicates a widespread demand for reform to instill true democratic values within the electoral process. Archbishop Kleda’s outspoken criticism and calls for an overhaul of the electoral system underscore the urgency for change in a country where governance has been characterized by prolonged authoritarianism. By addressing these systemic issues, there exists the potential for a more transparent process that could enable the emergence of genuine democratic outcomes, allowing the electorate to choose their leaders freely and fairly.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
