Marcel Niat Njifenji and Cavaye Yeguie Djibril were re-elected as heads of Cameroon’s Senate and National Assembly, continuing a long-standing trend of political stagnation influenced by the CPDM. Their elections reflect a system where longevity overshadows competence, while opposition voices remain muted. As elections approach, patterns of control and dominance persist unchallenged.
In a continuation of a predictable political pattern, Marcel Niat Njifenji and Cavaye Yeguie Djibril have been re-elected as the respective leaders of Cameroon’s Senate and National Assembly. Cavaye, in his role since 1992, secured his position with 125 out of 137 votes, facing no opposition. Similarly, Niat has maintained his Senate presidency, achieving 87 votes from 90, highlighting that longevity is favored over performance in Cameroonian politics.
The Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM/RDPC), governing for over four decades, orchestrates elections akin to a choreographed performance. Inside a controlled setting, members gather to confirm the same leaders without contest. With no challengers on the ballot, the CPDM’s predetermined decisions stymie true competition, reducing the election process to a mere formality.
Cavaye Yeguie Djibril’s tenure, marked by infrequent legislative achievements, mostly involves supporting President Paul Biya’s agenda while maintaining a facade of governance. His absence from the Assembly for medical reasons has become commonplace, underscoring a lack of meaningful legislation over the years. Conversely, Niat’s Senate leadership can be described as rudimentary, fostering an environment primarily for aging party loyalists rather than productive political discourse.
Opposition parties remain largely ineffective, voicing their frustration discreetly to avoid repercussions. The CPDM’s dominance in both legislative houses has transformed political discussion into a prolonged exercise in futility. As the 2025 presidential elections near, Cameroon’s political dynamics are marked by repetition and stagnation, with predictions for future elections leaning heavily towards the same individuals retaining power rather than any semblance of democracy.
Cameroon’s political structure remains insular and predictable, with the same leaders consistently seemingly confirmed without real challenge. The dominance and control exerted by the CPDM ensure that genuine political competition is virtually non-existent, thereby underscoring a deep-seated resistance to change. As the 2025 elections approach, it appears that the political establishment will continue to recycle its leaders, maintaining the status quo.
Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com
