Election Management in Cameroon

A credible election management body is one of the most important institutions that is decisive in influencing the outcome of an election and its overall legitimacy and acceptability. Such a body has been lacking in Cameroon since the re-introduction of multi-party politics. With the recent creation of Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), the drive for democratization could be greatly enhanced if the body is sufficiently strengthened and insulated from manipulation. This essay critically analyzes the legislative and institutional framework of ELECAM within the context of generally accepted standards of election management, using election management bodies that have proved their worth in managing elections in some African countries as a yardstick for comparison.