Abstract

Herman Touo

This article portrays the legal framework applicable and assesses the impact of the several mentioned irregularities, especially if they were of sufficient magnitude or scope to change the proclaimed winner in the October 11, 2004 presidential election. Controversies and uncertainties over allegations of irregularities reflect the problematic role of the State bureaucracy, serious inadequacy and lack of transparency in the election administration process in Cameroon. Therefore, election, voting and bureaucratic issues examined in this article include- the legal framework applicable; bureaucratic malpractices as restrictive registration of potential voters; the training of citizens on minimum concepts of civic responsibility; voter intimidation and other sources of suppression or distortion of voter will and recommendation on the mechanisms to increase popular participation, transparency, credibility and integrity of the electoral process in Cameroon. It was discovered that the impact of bureaucratic malpractices was difficult to demonstrate with empirical evidence. Our analysis indicates that the incumbent may have benefited marginally from bureaucratic malpractices, but his benefits were nowhere nearly as salient as some observers have perceived. We also find that the stability, legitimacy and effectiveness of the government may be undermined if it fails to develop mechanisms to ensure free, fair and transparent elections