The Cameroonian Ruling Class: How Corruption and Manipulation Maintain Power

In the wake of national and local elections that demonstrated widespread support for opposition movements, the ruling party, led by the national president and head of state, implemented mechanisms to maintain its grip on power and control over the political landscape.

One of the most potent tools used by the ruling class to sustain its political dominance is endemic corruption and embezzlement. For decades, government officials have engaged in corrupt practices with impunity, creating a system of systemic corruption that serves as a means of political survival for the regime. The regime's purported fight against corruption, known as the "sparrow hawk operation," has been weaponized to target internal dissidents and instill fear among potential opponents. However, this anti-corruption campaign has primarily been a facade, selectively targeting individuals who oppose the ruling government while turning a blind eye to corruption within its own ranks.

Corruption also extends to electoral processes, with the ruling party using financial incentives to manipulate and corrupt voters. In the lead-up to national and local elections, the ruling party often distributes money and goods to buy votes and secure victory. Opposition leaders are also targeted with offers of financial rewards and political benefits to defect to the ruling party, further consolidating its power.

Moreover, the electoral system itself has been tainted by questions of legitimacy. The Ministry of Territorial Administration, a government body subservient to the regime, initially oversaw elections, leading to widespread contestation of results. Although the National Elections Observatory (NEO) was established to supervise the electoral process, it operated under the auspices of the Ministry of Territorial Administration, compromising its independence and impartiality. Eventually, the NEO and the Ministry of Territorial Administration were replaced by a supposedly more autonomous body named ELECAM.

Despite these attempts to legitimize the electoral process, concerns about transparency and fairness persist, undermining public and political confidence in the system. The ruling class's manipulation of electoral institutions and processes reflects its determination to maintain power at all costs, even at the expense of democratic principles and the will of the people. As Cameroon prepares for future elections, addressing these systemic issues will be crucial to ensuring a more transparent, inclusive, and democratic political system.