Conflicting narratives of observation reports on Cameroon’s 2004 presidential election

Abstract

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.