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Cameroon Page |
Welcome to ElectionInfo.com's pages on Cameroon
Official Name: Republic of Cameroon
Capital: Yaoundé
Area: 475,440 square kilometres (183,568 square miles)
Major cities (Population)
Douala 1,322,000 (1995 estimate)
Yaoundé 1,121,000 (1995 estimate)
Nkongsamba 130,000 (1991 estimate)
Population: 13,233,000 (1995 estimate)
Population growth rate
2.8 per cent (1990-1995 average)
Type of government: Unitary republic; multi-party presidential government
Independence: 1 January 1960 (from United Nations (UN) trusteeship under French administration)
Constitution: 20 May 1972
Voting Rights: Universal at age 20
Government
The president, who is elected for a five-year term, and the cabinet form the executive branch, which dominates the legislative and judicial branches. The National Assembly has 180 members, elected for five-year terms. The voting age is 20. Hereditary kings in the north and west, and appointed chiefs elsewhere, maintain local courts for domestic and land law. These rulers enjoy strong loyalty among many ethnic groups and are regularly consulted about national politics.
Recent History
Since the Republic of Cameroon was declared in 1972, Cameroon has had only two presidents. Ahmadou Ahidjo, a northern Muslim, took office in 1960 and in 1966 established a one-party authoritarian state. He ruled until 1982, when, after a visit to France during which he was told he was terminally ill, he resigned in favour of his southern Christian prime minister, Paul Biya. After attempted coups (inspired by Ahidjo, who regretted relinquishing power) in 1983 and 1984, Biya dismantled the opposition. Bowing to domestic and international pressure, Biya instituted reforms in 1990, but unrest and strikes continued into 1991. Presidential and parliamentary elections, in which 32 parties contested seats, were held in 1992 but were boycotted in large numbers, and the results were disputed. Biya retained his office as president. The political situation remains fractious.
Other links
Prime Ministers of Camaroon
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