AN IN-DEPT STUDY ON PARTY CONFLICT AND ITS IMPACT ON THE SUSTAINABILITY OF  DEMOCRACY IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Political parties, consisting of people with differing viewpoints, values, and interests, serve as platforms for recruiting persons for public posts. Consequently, they inevitably become a battleground for conflicts stemming from incompatible views, beliefs, and interests. Political parties in liberal democracies are consistently influenced and transformed by ongoing conflicts among the various individuals within their ranks. These parties are also regarded as the means for gathering interests and opinions within a political system, although this categorization is primarily theoretical (Omotola 2010). To put it another way, conflict, in many forms and aspects, is an integral component of the operational structures of political parties in a modern democracy. The most detrimental conflicts, not just to the sustainability of democracy but to society as a whole, are those that arise from disputes over the selection of party leadership and candidates. Political parties are ideally expected to have effective institutional structures to resolve disagreements that may emerge among their members (Scarrow, 2005). By establishing such frameworks, political parties not only promote agreement inside their organisations, but also significantly enhance the stability of the overall system (Simbine 2015).

Since it gained its independence from colonial authority in 1960, Cameroon has gone through a complicated political trajectory. Cameroon went through a political revolution in 1990, which was distinguished by the introduction of multi-party democracy in response to broad calls for political liberalisation (Njong, 2017). Initially, the country was characterized by the dominance of a single party under the leadership of President Ahmadou Ahidjo. Their transition to democracy, on the other hand, has been plagued by a number of ongoing issues, one of which is party strife, which poses a danger to the stability and durability of democratic government. It is common for historical grievances and socioeconomic gaps to fuel party conflict in Cameroon (Tchoungui, 2018; Njoya, 2014). Party conflict in Cameroon presents itself via a variety of avenues, including intra-party disagreements, election disputes, and ethnic rivalry. It has been observed by academics that the disagreement between the parties in Cameroon not only damages the legitimacy of the election processes, but it also hinders the efficient sustainability of democratic institutions (Njoya, 2014). Furthermore, the prominence of party dispute is a contributor to political polarization, which in turn undermines voters' faith in political actors and institutions (Ndi, 2019). This is because the backdrop of democratization in sub-Saharan Africa is broader. There are implications for wider discussions on governance, conflict resolution, and development that can be drawn from the Cameroonian experience, which gives significant insights into the obstacles and prospects of democratization processes in the area. Therefore, the researcher looks into an in-dept study on party conflict and its impact on the sustainability of  democracy in Cameroon.

Statement of the problem

Political parties, regardless of their ideological differences and varying levels of success, serve as the primary means of political advancement in all societies. They are permitted to engage in political competition to gain control of the government and to foster unity among the population. In contemporary societies, political parties are often seen as entities that promote cohesion, tranquilly, and integration within the community(Mbaku, 2016; Tchoungui, 2018). However, despite this prevailing notion, conflict that seem to endanger the sustainability of democracy still occurs within political parties. Party conflict has become a major obstacle to the long-term viability of democracy, endangering political stability, societal unity, and efficient government. The democratic process has been hindered by ongoing intra-party rivalries, inter-party conflicts, and election disputes, notwithstanding the country's transition to multi-party democracy(Chinje, 2019; Sisk, 2013). These disputes arise in several ways, including as differences in beliefs, battles for control among influential politicians, violence during elections, and division of the voting population based on ethnicity or location. Party rivalry has wide-ranging implications, affecting voters' confidence in democratic institutions, impeding socio-economic progress, and prolonging patterns of political instability. There is a dearth of empirical data about the unique repercussions that it has for the democracy of Cameroon.  Hence, the need to  look in-dept on party conflict and its impact on the sustainability of  democracy in Cameroon. 

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to look in-dept on party conflict and its impact on the sustainability of  democracy in Cameroon. The specific objectives is as follows

To assess the factors responsible for party conflict in Cameroon.

To investigate the effects of party conflict on the democratic process in Cameroon.

To examine the role of political elites in  mitigating party conflict in Cameroon.

To propose prospect for enhancing the sustainability of democracy amidst party conflict in Cameroon.

 1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to further guide the study

What are the factors responsible for party conflict in Cameroon?

What is  the effects of party conflict on the democratic process in Cameroon?

What is the role of political elites in  mitigating party conflict in Cameroon?

What is the prospect for enhancing the sustainability of democracy amidst party conflict in Cameroon?

1.5 Significance of the study

The findings of the study will be significant to political parties as it will create awareness and inspire a sense of responsibility on members of political party on the role expected of them to in managing conflict and also to achieve good governance and democratic development.

The study will be of benefit to the academia as it will contribute to academic knowledge as regards to party conflict of political parties. Thereby, providing library resources and reference for future research on the topic.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focuses on  look in-dept on party conflict and its impact on the sustainability of  democracy in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will assess the factors responsible for party conflict in Cameroon,  investigate the effects of party conflict on the democratic process in Cameroon,  examine the role of political elites in  mitigating party conflict in Cameroon and propose prospect for enhancing the sustainability of democracy amidst party conflict in Cameroon.

1.7 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.

1.8 Definition of terms

Party Conflict: Refers to disagreements, disputes, or tensions that arise within or between political parties. This conflict can manifest in various forms, including ideological differences, leadership struggles, policy disputes, or competition for power and resources.

Sustainability of Democracy: Denotes the long-term viability, resilience, and endurance of democratic principles, processes, and institutions within a political system. It encompasses factors such as the rule of law, respect for human rights, free and fair elections, civic participation, and the ability of democratic institutions to withstand internal and external challenges over time.

In-depth Study: Signifies a comprehensive and thorough examination of a particular subject or phenomenon, involving detailed analysis, extensive research, and nuanced exploration of multiple dimensions, factors, and perspectives related to the topic under investigation.