Essosse Erik is taking office when the electoral body is preparing crucial elections this year. Cameroonians will elect a new president, legislators and municipal councillors later in the year.

Abdoul Karim is the deputy director general.

Sacked Babale is accused of “gross misconduct”. Media reports say there had been a misunderstanding between the former director and the board chair of ELECAM.

Abrams Egbe has blamed Babale of financial and human resource mismanagement.

A board meeting of the body was held on Friday to stage a vote of no confidence against Babale.

Key executive staff of the supposed independent electoral body are appointed by the head of State. And who ever bites the finger that feeds them?

Mr Biya, who has been in power since 1982, is likely to run again, though he has not declared his candidacy yet.