The CPDM is celebrating 40 years in power, with opinions divided on whether this marks endurance or stagnation. Founded by President Biya, the party remains in control despite economic challenges and political strife. Upcoming elections are viewed with skepticism regarding fairness, and many citizens question the legitimacy of the party’s claims of success amidst ongoing hardships.
The Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) is about to celebrate 40 years in power on March 24, a milestone viewed by some as a testament to endurance, while others label it a reminder of stagnation, repression, and unmet promises. Founded in 1985 by President Paul Biya, who has been in office since 1982, CPDM has managed to endure various challenges, including economic downturns, international scrutiny, and accusations of electoral fraud, maintaining its 92-year-old leader in power.
As the country approaches the October presidential elections, CPDM Secretary-General Jean Nkuete emphasized Biya’s unique wisdom for guiding Cameroon, indicating that Biya will seek re-election, revealing that retirement is not an option for politicians like him. The party has positioned the anniversary celebrations not just as a nostalgic event but as a strategic effort to rally support ahead of the elections.
While party officials prepare for extravagant celebrations, many ordinary citizens question the reason for festivity, given issues like youth unemployment at over 30% and inadequate infrastructure. Frequent power outages damage businesses, and the ongoing Anglophone crisis has uprooted over one million people since 2017. Infrastructure projects often go unfulfilled, and public discontent grows as citizens await basic services while Biya remains largely out of sight in public domains.
The upcoming elections in October are anticipated to follow a familiar pattern, with the electoral commission, judiciary, and security forces all under CPDM influence. Opposition figures, such as Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, frequently claim that elections are merely ceremonial since outcomes are predetermined. The administration has also rejected calls to release the national voter list, which critics argue is a move to ensure another overwhelming victory for the ruling party amid suspicious voter turnout statistics.
Despite the dire state of Cameroon’s economy and politics, CPDM maintains that Biya’s 40 years symbolize success, highlighting achievements such as the reliance on presidential decrees over governance, mastering election manipulation, and transforming hopeful youth into economic emigrants. Many argue that while world leaders strive to serve their citizens, Biya’s regime focuses on enriching itself, leaving citizens frustrated. As the CPDM celebrates, questions linger about whether the party is honoring its own resilience or highlighting the country’s decline.
With Biya’s re-election appearing inevitable, the only uncertainty remains: Will he mark 50 years in power, or will he be succeeded by different circumstances?
The article reflects on the CPDM’s 40-year tenure under President Paul Biya, highlighting contrasting perceptions of celebration versus stagnation and repression. It outlines numerous ongoing issues in Cameroon, including economic challenges, political manipulation, and voter disenfranchisement, while questioning the legitimacy of future elections. Despite the party’s claims of success, many citizens continue to endure hardships, raising doubts about the true impact of the CPDM’s governance over four decades.
Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com
