Democracy News

Cameroon's Biya Sworn In For Sixth Term; Allegations of Electoral Fraud
November 4, 2011
By: Mark Hsen | Printer Friendly

On November 3, Paul Biya was sworn into his sixth term as President of Cameroon.  Despite allegations of electoral fraud from opposition candidates, Biya was confirmed the winner of the October 9 election, allowing him another seven year term.

Biya has been in power since 1982, when he inherited the Presidency from Ahmadou Ahidjo.  Even after Cameroon’s shift to a multi-party system in 1992, Biya was able to win each successive election.  In 2008, he amended the constitution to remove presidential term limits, a controversial measure that sparked protests which resulted in the deaths of a few dozen people.  

The 2011 election was not without significant controversy.  Several of the 22 opposition parties have alleged electoral fraud.  Voice of America also reported instances of irregularities during the voting process.  Some voters were given multiple voter cards, thus potentially allowing multiple votes, while other voters were barred from voting because someone had already cast a ballot on their behalf.  CNN reported instances where ballot boxes were missing or were improperly sealed.

Samuel Fonkam, the head of the election commission, has denied the allegations of fraud.  As reported by Voice of America, Fonkam insisted the system allowed all parties to monitor the election and register complaints if necessary.  He insisted that no major incidents had been reported.  Biya also asked the country to be "indulgent" of any imperfections, stating that despite any irregularities, there were no intentions of cheating.  BBC News quoted Biya as stating "the world is not a perfect place, but let's be positive, for there has been no intention of fraud.  We're for transparency and free elections."

Seven opposition party leaders, including the candidates from the Social Democratic Front (SDF) and Manidem, have asked the Supreme Court to annul the elections.  However, the Supreme Court upheld the victory and declared Biya the winner with 78 percent of the vote.  John Fru Ndi of SDF, Cameroon's main opposition party, received only 10 percent of the vote.

While 22 other candidates ran against Biya, overall turnout was particularly low.  Voice of America reported that many Cameroonians expressed apathy due to the belief that Biya's victory was already pre-determined.  During the campaign, Biya promised to revitalize Cameroon's economy through construction projects and improvements on roads, rail service, and electricity supply.  While the country is rich in oil, minerals and timber, most of the people live in poverty.

For previous news on Cameroon, please see:
Cameroon Opposition Holds "Day of Mourning" to Protest Constitutional Changes

Sources:
BBC News – Cameroon: Biya sworn in for sixth presidential term

Voice of America – Turnout Low in Cameroon Presidential Poll

BBC News – Cameroon election: SDF accuse Paul Biya's CPDM of fraud

Voice of America – Cameroon's Presidential Vote Tally Challenged

Reuters – Cameroon opposition demands new poll in six months

CNN – Cameroon election commission denies allegations of fraud