Cameroon’s Archbishop Declares Democracy Nonexistent Amid Electoral Concerns

Archbishop Samuel Kleda has criticized the lack of true democracy in Cameroon, stating it only exists in name. He claims electoral processes are predetermined, reflecting manipulations under President Paul Biya, who has ruled since 1982. Calls for reforms, such as lowering the voting age and improving registration access, echo sentiments across the political spectrum. Critics highlight systemic issues, including poverty and unrest, necessitating urgent democratic reforms.

Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala has publicly criticized the state of democracy in Cameroon, asserting that it exists solely in name. In an interview with Equinox TV, he stated, “Democracy in Cameroon exists in name only; in reality, it doesn’t exist.” Kleda highlighted that electoral outcomes are predictable before elections, indicating a lack of fairness and transparency in the electoral process. At 91, President Paul Biya, who has ruled since 1982, leads a regime of pervasive control and fraud. Though Biya allowed democratic elections to commence in the 1990s, each has been marred by allegations of manipulation. Kleda called for significant reforms, emphasizing the need for independent management of elections.

Political leaders, like Prince Ekosso and Muma Bih Yvonne, echoed Kleda’s sentiments, advocating for reforms such as lowering the voting age, employing a single ballot paper, and enhancing access to electoral registration. Numerous grievances were voiced regarding the bureaucratic challenges faced by citizens trying to register and vote effectively. Bih advocated for a digitized electoral process to expedite registration and results declaration. Kleda remarked on the need for a shift in the electoral framework, contending, “If these conditions are met, we’ll truly see who wins elections in our country.”

Cameroon grapples with broader societal issues, including significant poverty levels and unrest in its English-speaking regions, stemming from systemic discrimination. The combination of these challenges reveals a pressing need for genuine democratic reforms in the face of stagnant leadership. Claims of electoral fraud have left the opposition disillusioned, further complicating the political landscape. Critics indicate that Biya’s political party has entrenched fraud mechanisms that are disheartening to potential challengers. Consequently, stakeholders within Cameroon’s civil society and political framework must unite to confront and rectify the systemic failures undermining democracy, enabling a more robust electoral process.

In light of the impending elections in Cameroon, the integrity of the democratic process has come under scrutiny, especially amid the lengthy presidency of Paul Biya. There exists a perception among several political figures and clergy that true democratic practices are absent in the country. The criticism is heightened by the historical context of Biya’s presidency, which began in 1982 and has faced persistent challenges related to electoral fairness. Numerous civil society leaders have been vocal about the need for systemic reforms to enhance the electoral process and ensure genuine representation.

The declarations by Archbishop Samuel Kleda and other political leaders illustrate a pervasive sentiment of disillusionment with the current electoral system in Cameroon. Their calls for reform—spanning improvements in the electoral code to technological advancements in voter registration and ballot counting—underscore the urgent need for the establishment of a truly democratic framework. As the elections approach, the fate of democracy in Cameroon hinges on the willingness of its leaders to embrace these necessary changes or risk perpetuating a cycle of disenfranchisement.

Original Source: cruxnow.com