The CPDM, led by President Paul Biya, will celebrate its 40th anniversary on March 24. While some view this as an endurance milestone, others criticize it as a sign of stagnation and unfulfilled promises. The party navigates significant challenges, and with upcoming elections, questions arise about Biya’s future and the state of the nation.
The Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) is poised to celebrate its 40th anniversary on March 24, a milestone perceived by some as a symbol of endurance, while others regard it as an acknowledgment of stagnation, repression, and unfulfilled promises. Established in 1985 by President Paul Biya, who has governed since 1982, the CPDM has navigated severe challenges, including economic crises, international scrutiny, insurgencies, and allegations of electoral fraud, all under the leadership of a 92-year-old figurehead.
As the country prepares for the presidential elections in October, CPDM Secretary-General Jean Nkuete reaffirmed support for Biya, declaring him “the only man wise enough” to lead Cameroon forward. This announcement seemed to confirm that Biya intends to run for re-election, highlighting a trend where retirement is not an option for long-standing leaders.
On March 11, the CPDM released a statement indicating that the anniversary celebrations would serve not only as a moment of reflection but also as a strategic effort to galvanize electoral support. However, as party elites prepare for extravagant celebrations, many citizens question the basis for such festivities, given a youth unemployment rate exceeding 30% and major infrastructural challenges, including persistent blackouts and the ongoing Anglophone crisis.
The upcoming elections are anticipated to follow a predictable pattern, with the electoral body, judiciary, and security forces firmly under CPDM’s influence. Opposition leaders, such as Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, have accused the ruling party of orchestrating predetermined electoral outcomes, prompting jokes among citizens about announcing Biya as the winner before voting even starts.
Despite widespread discontent regarding the political and economic situation, the CPDM asserts that Biya’s four decades in power constitute a narrative of success, boasting achievements such as the use of presidential decrees over traditional governance and a systematic approach to electoral manipulation. The party has cultivated a vast divide between the ruling elite and the struggling populace, leading many to speculate if the anniversary is a celebration of the party’s longevity or the nation’s decline.
With the forthcoming October elections, it appears likely that Biya’s re-election is assured. There remains a pressing question: will he reach the milestone of 50 years in office, or will his tenure be curtailed by natural causes before an opposition victory emerges?
In conclusion, the upcoming celebration of the CPDM’s 40th anniversary on March 24 evokes mixed sentiments among the Cameroonian populace. While the ruling party portrays its longevity as a success, many citizens view it as a reflection of stagnation and repression. With significant challenges such as high unemployment, infrastructural collapse, and electoral manipulation facing the nation, the impending October elections may further entrench Biya’s hold on power, leading to questions about the future of governance in Cameroon.
Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com
