Cameroon. The Road to 2025: Cameroon’s Struggle for Democracy Amidst Political Turmoil

Cameroon is navigating a complex political landscape as it approaches its 2025 elections. The challenges are multifaceted, particularly with the ongoing conflict in the Northwest and Southwest regions, the advanced age of the president, the electoral code favoring the ruling party, and the widespread disillusionment among the youth regarding their ability to participate in the electoral process.

Conflict in the Northwest and Southwest Regions

The Anglophone crisis, which has persisted for over eight years, has led to significant instability in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. This conflict has resulted in:

• Displacement of communities: Many residents have fled their homes, and the ongoing violence has disrupted local governance and civil life.
• Limited access to resources: The conflict has hindered access to education, healthcare, and basic services, further complicating the electoral process in these regions.
• Suppression of political engagement: The atmosphere of fear and uncertainty has diminished the capacity for meaningful political participation among the populations affected.

Presidential Leadership and Public Perception

The current president, Paul Biya, who is over 92 years old, has been in power for several decades. His limited public appearances have led to concerns about:

• Leadership effectiveness: Many citizens question his ability to lead effectively given his age and health, raising doubts about the continuity of governance.
• Public trust: The perception that the president is increasingly detached from the realities of everyday life for many Cameroonians contributes to growing public skepticism regarding the government's intentions and capabilities.

Electoral Code and Political Landscape

The electoral code in Cameroon has been criticized for being heavily biased toward the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) party. Key issues include:

• Rigged elections: Many Cameroonians express a belief that the elections will be manipulated to favor the CPDM, undermining the democratic process.
• Lack of transparency: Concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process are widespread, leading to disillusionment among potential voters.

Youth Participation and Identification Issues

Youth engagement is critical for a healthy democracy, yet many young people in Cameroon face significant barriers to participation:

• Lack of national ID cards: A considerable number of youths do not possess national identification cards, which are essential for voter registration. This situation raises concerns that it might be a deliberate strategy by the government to suppress youth voting.
• Disenfranchisement: The inability to register and vote has led to feelings of disenfranchisement among the youth, making them more cynical about political change.

As Cameroon heads towards the 2025 elections, the interplay of conflict, leadership dynamics, biased electoral processes, and youth disenfranchisement presents a formidable challenge. Ensuring a fair and inclusive electoral process will be crucial for the future of democracy in Cameroon and the ability of the population to shape their political landscape. Addressing these issues will require concerted efforts from both the government and civil society to foster trust and encourage active participation in the democratic process.