The CPDM is set to celebrate its 40 years in power on March 24. Founded by President Paul Biya, who has led since 1982, the party faces criticism for stagnation and repression amidst ongoing crises. With the October elections on the horizon, concerns about election integrity and the party’s future remain prominent, alongside skepticism about its perceived achievements over the decades.
The Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) is preparing to commemorate its 40 years in power on March 24. While some regard this as a testament to endurance, others criticize it as a representation of four decades characterized by stagnation and repression. Founded in 1985 by President Paul Biya, who has remained in office since 1982, the party has navigated through numerous challenges including economic crises and allegations of electoral fraud, maintaining an unwavering grip on leadership.
As the country approaches the presidential elections scheduled for October, CPDM Secretary-General Jean Nkuete voiced his belief that Biya remains uniquely qualified to lead Cameroon forward. This remark effectively confirms Biya’s candidacy for another term, highlighting the ruling elite’s resistance to retirement.
In a recent announcement, the CPDM emphasized that the anniversary celebrations would serve not only as a reminiscence but also as a calculated strategy to galvanize support for the forthcoming elections. As party members prepare for extravagant banquets, many citizens question the rationale behind the festivities, given the persistent issues such as a youth unemployment rate exceeding 30% and a deteriorating power infrastructure.
The ongoing Anglophone crisis, which erupted in 2017, continues to displace over a million individuals with thousands of casualties, revealing the government’s apparent reluctance to pursue viable resolutions. Infrastructure projects are often unveiled but remain unfinished, leaving urban roads in disrepair while Biya’s image looms large across the nation.
The upcoming elections are poised to unfold as per usual, with territorial control firmly established by the ruling party over electoral bodies and security forces. Opposition figures have accused the CPDM of orchestrating scenarios where electoral outcomes are predetermined. In response to critics, the CPDM’s reluctance to make the national voter list public suggests intentions geared towards securing another overwhelming victory.
Despite the glaring challenges, the CPDM maintains that Biya’s tenure is a success. The party claims as achievements the reliance on presidential decrees in governance, achieving near-flawless election rigging, and the transformation of youth aspirations into a desire to emigrate. While global leaders are expected to serve their constituents, Biya’s government appears to prioritize the interests of the elite.
As the CPDM celebrates its four-decade existence, many citizens are left to ponder whether the festivities commemorate a legacy of endurance or a gradual national decline. With October’s elections looming, the question arises: will Biya reach the milestone of 50 years in leadership or will time intervenes before this occurs?
The upcoming 40th anniversary of the CPDM reignites a discussion on the party’s legacy in Cameroon, marked by stagnation and repression. As the nation struggles with significant issues including high unemployment and an unresolved crisis, the ruling party positions itself for another election victory. While the CPDM touts its governance as a success, many Cameroonians remain skeptical about the true nature of the celebration, questioning whether it reflects the party’s prolonged grip on power or the country’s worsening plight. The future remains uncertain as the October elections approach, raising pivotal questions about leadership and governance.
Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com
