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2025 Elections in Cameroon: Three Civil Society Organizations Demand Reforms
Déclaration  Posté le 14:28 17-09-2024, modifié le 14:28 17-09-2024 par Tournons La Page

On Sunday, September 15, 2024, three organizations—Tournons La Page Cameroon (TLP-Cameroon), Dynamique Citoyenne (DC), and the Central Trade Union of the Public Sector (CSP)—issued a joint statement titled, "2025 elections in Cameroon: Is democratic transition possible?" This was done as part of International Democracy Day.

The succession of President Paul Biya, now 91 years old and having ruled Cameroon for over 41 years, presents a significant challenge. The upcoming presidential election, scheduled for October 2025, is expected to take place amid ongoing power consolidation by the current regime. "All tools are being employed: public media, along with a large number of private outlets, are being hijacked and used to promote the regime's agenda, downplay criticism, and mock the proposals of the opposition, civil society, and informed observers. The public administration, its agents, including administrative authorities and logistics, are all mobilized. The military and law enforcement agencies (gendarmerie and police) are diverting from their official duties to support and secure events for the ruling party while instilling fear within opposition ranks and civil society," the organizations declared.

In this context, where one of the key pillars of democracy—the free expression of political will—is undermined, and the ability to freely choose leaders is blatantly disregarded with contempt and arrogance, what will be the purpose of the upcoming elections? According to TLP-Cameroon, DC, and CSP, the answer is clear: "Objectively, they will serve no purpose," they stated.

Necessary Reforms for Genuine Change

Considering the bleak state of Cameroon's ongoing democratization process and the current governance situation, it is clear that the conditions for a genuine democratic transition are lacking. The only way to avoid the turmoil seen in several African countries in recent years is through urgent and meaningful reforms. TLP-Cameroon, DC, and CSP propose a reform plan based on a four-phase program:

  1. Organization of National General Assemblies, with the expected outcomes including:

    • The creation of commissions to revise the constitution, the electoral code, and redraw the administrative boundaries of the country.
    • Adoption of binding resolutions on the reform of state institutions and the organization of economic, industrial, social, cultural, political, and diplomatic sectors.
    • Establishment of a free and independent entity responsible for organizing elections and referendums.
    • Creation of a transitional legislative body with a mandate limited to monitoring and overseeing the transitional government.
  2. Formation of a transitional government, consisting of around 20 individuals, primarily technocrats from various social groups, appointed by their peers. This government should include representatives from the current government, civil society organizations, political parties, religious groups, traditional authorities, labor unions, and economic sectors. The President of the Republic would appoint them.

  3. Organization of free and transparent elections, including a constitutional referendum, municipal and regional elections, senatorial and legislative elections, and the presidential election. These elections would be managed by the Independent Electoral Commission established during the National General Assemblies and comprised of representatives from different social groups, elected by their peers.

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