Marcel Niat Njifenji and Cavaye Yeguie Djibril have once again been re-elected as leaders of Cameroon’s Senate and National Assembly, respectively, signifying a political landscape resistant to change. The ruling CPDM orchestrates elections as formalities, with no real competition, bolstered by the absence of meaningful legislation. Opposition voices are stifled, and the political atmosphere remains static as the nation approaches another presidential election.
In a predictable political routine in Cameroon, Marcel Niat Njifenji and Cavaye Yeguie Djibril have once again been re-elected as the heads of the Senate and National Assembly, respectively. Their re-elections reflect a political environment where the same individuals maintain their positions indefinitely, with little regard for democratic competition.
Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, aged 84, has been the head of the National Assembly since 1992 and was re-elected with a sweeping 125 votes out of 137, facing no challengers. Similarly, Marcel Niat Njifenji, 90, has held the Senate presidency since its inception in 2013 and garnered 87 votes out of 90, underscoring the importance of political longevity over actual governance.
The ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM/RDPC), continues to orchestrate elections that are mere formalities. Members of parliament gather to endorse the established leaders, effectively sidelining any potential opposition. This predetermined outcome undermines the essence of democratic principles, reducing the process to a mere checkmark of compliance.
Cavaye Yeguie Djibril has gained notoriety for his frequent medical absences while presiding over a National Assembly that has failed to enact meaningful legislation for many years. His primary function appears to be facilitating the interests of President Paul Biya, who has been in power for 42 years. Meanwhile, Marcel Niat Njifenji’s leadership reinforces a Senate perceived as a resting place for aging party loyalists.
Dissatisfaction among opposition parties exists but is expressed in a muted manner, as vocal dissent could invoke allegations of jeopardizing state stability. The political atmosphere remains one where genuine debate is futile, dominated by the CPDM’s control over both legislative houses. Leading up to the approaching presidential election in October 2025, the political framework remains stagnated, ensuring that the same individuals and dynamics persist, as power in Cameroon is seen as something to be inherited rather than contested.
In conclusion, the recent re-elections of Cavaye Yeguie Djibril and Marcel Niat Njifenji exemplify the entrenched nature of political leadership in Cameroon, where the ruling CPDM maintains strict control over legislative processes. The lack of competition and significant reform in governance underscores a system characterized by continuity rather than change. As the political landscape approaches the presidential elections in 2025, it remains to be seen whether voices for change can resonate amidst these long-standing power dynamics.
Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com
