ASSESSMENT OF ELECTORAL VIOLENCE AND DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN CAMEROON: PREVENTION AND MITIGATION"

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Internationally, democracy is universally acknowledged by both the privileged few and the general populace as the most optimal system of administration in the modern day (Alli, 2015). This is due to its promotion of widespread citizen involvement in decision-making processes, so signifying that ultimate political authority rests with the people. Nevertheless, elections, considered a practical tool for establishing a change in government (Burchard, 2015) and the sole legitimate method for either ousting the current leader or installing new leadership to strengthen democracy, are frequently marked by violence, particularly in developing nations and emerging democracies worldwide. According to existing data, elections in Africa are impacted by violence in around 19 to 25 percent of cases (Jore, 2019). Electoral violence is particularly common in countries such as Zimbabwe (in the years 2000, 2005, and 2008), Kenya (in 2007), Nigeria (in the years 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019), Cote d'Ivoire (in 2011 and 2012), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (according to Buchard in 2015). This is the reason why some researchers, such as Ogundiwin (2015), argue that democracy increases the likelihood of armed conflict in newly established democratic nations, while Rosenje & Adeniyi (2021) suggest that it heightens the chances of armed fights in communities recovering from a war. Rosenje & Moliki (2016) also argue that it increases the likelihood of election violence in nations with low economic levels. Therefore, experts such as Agbaje and Ajetunmobi (2015) argue that violence has deeply infiltrated the political proceedings of many newly established democracies in Africa throughout the 21st century. Following the advent of multi-party politics during the third wave of democratisation in the early 1990s, the fight for state power via elections has escalated significantly, sometimes taking on a violent nature in African nations. The 2008 Amnesty International Report highlighted that the violent conflict for political power among the rival political parties, elite, and candidates is a fundamental aspect of political existence in Africa. Therefore, in almost all elections held in Cameroon, both during the colonial era and after gaining independence, the occurrences of electoral violence have been quite alarming.

The occurrence of election violence in Cameroon is complex and firmly established in the socio-political structure of the nation. The problem is influenced by factors such as ethno-political divides, power and resource rivalry, inadequate institutional frameworks, and historical grudges. Moreover, factors such as poverty, unemployment, and unequal development intensify tensions during election seasons, providing a conducive environment for the outbreak of violence (Jore, 2019). Although the Cameroonian government, civil society organisations, and foreign actors have made attempts to tackle electoral violence, its continued existence highlights the need for a thorough understanding of its underlying causes, dynamics, and efficient solutions for prevention and mitigation. Democratic consolidation, which refers to the establishment of democratic norms, practices, and institutions within a society, is impeded by repeated instances of electoral violence. This violence erodes public confidence in the electoral process and weakens the legitimacy of elected governments. Therefore, the researcher sought to assess electoral violence and democratic consolidation in Cameroon: prevention and mitigation.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The occurrence of electoral violence in Cameroon presents a substantial risk to the establishment and strengthening of democracy in the country. Despite persistent efforts to develop democratic norms and institutions, acts of violence continue to impede the country's progress towards achieving stable democratic administration (Ogundiwin, 2015). This study focuses on the complex issues presented by election violence in Cameroon and the pressing need for efficient methods to avoid and mitigate it. Cameroon has often faced instances of electoral violence, which including acts of intimidation, harassment, physical attacks, and even fatalities occurring during elections. These occurrences weaken the honesty and fairness of the voting system, diminish the confidence that the public has in democratic organisations, and worsen divides throughout society (Ogundiwin, 2015). Electoral violence hinders the establishment of democracy by obstructing the peaceful transfer of authority, restricting political engagement, and cultivating a climate of apprehension and instability among the populace. Furthermore, it erodes the credibility of elected leaders and undermines the fundamental basis of democratic administration. Cameroon has implemented measures like as legislative frameworks, law enforcement actions, and foreign aid to tackle election violence. However, the impact of these initiatives is still constrained. Obstacles such as insufficient institutional capability, political division, and socio-economic disparities persistently impede advancements in the prevention and reduction of electoral violence (Ogundiwin, 2015).  Despite the focus of scholars and policy actions, there is a dearth of complete comprehension about the fundamental origins, dynamics, and patterns of electoral violence in Cameroon. Moreover, it is crucial to thoroughly assess the effectiveness of current preventative and mitigation techniques in order to identify any shortcomings and guide the implementation of interventions based on solid data. Hence, the need to assess electoral violence and democratic consolidation in cameroon: prevention and mitigation".

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess electoral violence and democratic consolidation in cameroon: prevention and mitigation". The specific objectives is as follows

To examine the patterns of electoral violence in Cameroon 

To identify the underlying causes of electoral violence in Cameroon.

Assess the  impact of democratic consolidation on electoral process in Cameroon.

To propose effective prevention strategies to address electoral violence in Cameroon and enhance the process of democratic consolidation.

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to further guide the study

What are the patterns of electoral violence in Cameroon?

What are the underlying causes of electoral violence in Cameroon?

What is the  impact of democratic consolidation on electoral process in Cameroon?

What are the effective prevention strategies to address electoral violence in Cameroon and enhance the process of democratic consolidation?

1.5 Significance of the study

The findings of the study will be significant to policy makers and government as electoral violence poses a significant threat to the stability of democratic institutions. Understanding its dynamics in Cameroon and implementing effective prevention and mitigation strategies can contribute to the consolidation of democracy in the country. By addressing electoral violence, the study can help in fostering an environment conducive to free, fair, and peaceful elections, which are essential for the long-term stability and legitimacy of democratic governance.

The findings of the study will be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focuses on electoral violence and democratic consolidation in cameroon: prevention and mitigation. Empirically, the study will examine the patterns of electoral violence in Cameroon,  identify the underlying causes of electoral violence in Cameroon, assess the  impact of democratic consolidation on electoral process in Cameroon and propose effective prevention strategies to address electoral violence in Cameroon and enhance the process of democratic consolidation.

1.7 Limitations 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

Electoral violence: When perpetrated to affect an electoral process, violence may be employed to influence the process of elections.

Democratic consolidation: the process by which a new democracy matures, in a way that it becomes unlikely to revert to authoritarianism without an external shock, and is regarded as the only available system of government within a country.