AN ASSESSMENT INTO THE EFFECTS OF INTRA-PARTY CONFLICTS ON ELECTIONS OUTCOME IN CAMEROON.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

  In order for a democracy to function, there must be stable political parties that can speak for the people and show they can rule effectively by making policies that benefit society as a whole. Political parties still have a hard time choosing the right candidates for office because of the constant turbulence caused by internal party disputes, which causes a chasm to widen between the electorate and their elected representatives, and because undemocratic forces are becoming more sophisticated. Tchoungui (2016) argues that political parties are essential to the functioning of representative democracies. While parties manage political leadership, they also improve policy options and provide equally logical alternatives for electioneering, all of which help to articulate popular attitudes and interests. Many political parties have recently shown a reluctance to implement an open system that would enable party members to take part in party decision-making and, to a lesser extent, run for office on the party's platform (Fomunyoh, 2018). 

Conversely, in nascent democracies, political parties often represent diverse interests and ideologies, leading to intra-party fragmentation and factionalism (Schedler, 2002). This fragmentation can weaken parties' organizational capacity and coherence, making them vulnerable to external pressures and manipulation (Levitsky & Way, 2002). Intra-party conflicts, often arising from divergent interests, power struggles, and ideological differences within political parties, can significantly influence election outcomes by shaping candidate selection, campaign strategies, and voter perceptions (Caramani, 2017). Many political groups have become bitter and engaged in cross-carpeting as a result of this dangerous sociopolitical constraint. Therefore, in every democratic system, the preservation of social order depends on intra-party democracy and unity. But a political party's ultimate objective is doomed when some members defect to rival parties, while others just opt to quit the party altogether due to internal strife. According to Akinade, (2018), disagreements among political parties are likely to arise as a result of people's innate biases and differences of interest in whatever social organization they join, regardless of whether they have a similar goal or not. 

According to Umani (2023) in diverse societies, intra-party conflicts often reflect underlying tensions related to ethnicity, religion, or regional identity (Chandra, 2004). Political parties may become vehicles for competing ethno-nationalist agendas, exacerbating social cleavages and hindering consensus-building efforts (Reilly, 2001). Thus individuals within a group or party are more likely to prioritize their own interests above those of the group in order to satisfy their own needs, which may lead to conflicts based on emotional connections and personalities. 

In Cameroon, electoral politics has become so pervasive that officials at all levels of government resort to heinous tactics in their desperation to stay in power or gain it (Atelhe, Lawal & Terhile, 2019). Therefore, it is quite probable that the process of campaigning will expose one to chaos, impunity, horrors, and bloodshed. "The premium on political power is so high that we are prone to take the most extreme measures to win and maintain political power, our energy tends to be channeled into the struggle for power to the detriment of economically productive efforts" (Egobueze, 2021), as Ake had noted (Cohen, 2015). To rephrase, the Cameroon politician's worldview is centered on the need to amass power at whatever cost, regardless of the cost to fellow citizens who have a right to the same advantages, and the need to control all resources. Therefore, the study assesses the effects of intra-party conflicts on elections outcome in Cameroon.

Statement of the problem

In Cameroon, intra-party conflicts have emerged as a significant factor influencing election outcomes, thereby impacting the country's democratic process and political stability. According to Gauja, (2018) internal disagreements within political parties can lead to contentious primary elections or candidate nominations, resulting in divisions among party members and weakened electoral prospects. Factionalism and patronage networks may also influence candidate selection processes, undermining party unity and electoral coherence.  

Mainwaring & Scully, (2018) averred that as a result of inherent disagreements on matters influencing their sociopolitical composition, popular parties throughout the world sometimes find themselves embroiled in inter-party conflict. It has grown apparent in many political parties that the emotional beliefs held by the majority of party members often clash, leading to perpetual disputes that impact the choice and/or election of party candidates for office. Krieger (2018) mentioned that Intra-party conflicts can impact campaign dynamics by affecting resource allocation, messaging strategies, and coalition-building efforts as divided parties may struggle to present a coherent platform or mobilize support effectively, thereby diminishing their competitiveness vis-à-vis rival parties  

It is well-known that intra-party disagreements are common and significant among Cameroon's political parties, as they are in many democracies. These disagreements, which stem from party members' and leaders' competing interests, power struggles, and ideologies, could drastically alter the course of the election and its results (Mveng & Tambe, 2019). While there is no shortage of literature on intra-party disputes in political science generally, little is known about how they affect election results in Cameroon. The multi-party system, ethnic diversity, and recurrent challenges to democratic government that define Cameroon's complex political terrain highlight the importance of understanding how intra-party disputes impact election results. Many people still have doubts about how the voting process is supposed to be fair, transparent, and honest, and they frequently point to internal party disputes as an example of this. Beyond the election arena, intra-party disputes have the potential to undermine Cameroon's political stability, social cohesiveness, and democratic consolidation. However, little is known about how exactly these disputes influence voting patterns, party fortunes, and the dynamics of government.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess the effects of intra-party conflicts on elections outcome  in Cameroon. The specific objectives is as follows

Analyze the extent to which intra-party conflicts influence election outcome in Cameroon.

Identify the sources of intra-party conflicts within political parties in Cameroon.

To assess the effects of intra-party conflicts on elections in Cameroon.

Provide recommendations aimed to mitigate the negative effects of intra-party conflicts on election outcomes in Cameroon

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared for the following

What is the extent to which intra-party conflicts influence election outcome in Cameroon?

What is the sources of intra-party conflicts within political parties in Cameroon?

What is the effects of intra-party conflicts on elections in Cameroon?

What are the strategies aimed to mitigate the negative effects of intra-party conflicts on election outcomes in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho: There is no significant effect of intra-party conflicts on elections outcome in Cameroon.

Hi: There is a significant effect of intra-party conflicts on elections outcome in Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the study

The findings of the study can inform the development of targeted policy interventions aimed at mitigating the negative effects of intra-party conflicts on election outcomes. This could involve recommendations for improving intra-party dispute resolution mechanisms, enhancing transparency in candidate selection processes, and fostering greater intra-party cohesion.

Government: Elections are fundamental to democratic governance, and their outcomes shape the trajectory of a nation's political development. By examining how intra-party conflicts influence election results, the study can contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and practices in Cameroon.

1.7 Scope of the study

The study focuses on women contributions to the political system of Cameroon. Empirically, the study will analyze the extent to which intra-party conflicts influence election outcome in Cameroon, identify the sources of intra-party conflicts within political parties in Cameroon, assess the effects of intra-party conflicts on elections in Cameroon and provide recommendations aimed to mitigate the negative effects of intra-party conflicts on election outcomes in Cameroon

1.8 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.9 Definition of terms

Intra-party conflicts: Refers to disagreements, disputes, or tensions that arise within a political party among its members, leaders, or factions. These conflicts may stem from differences in ideology, policy preferences, leadership style, or personal ambitions.

Election outcomes: The results or consequences of an electoral process, typically referring to the distribution of seats or offices among competing candidates or parties following an election. Election outcomes may include factors such as voter turnout, vote share, seats won, and the overall composition of legislative bodies.