Cameroon committed to independent electoral body

Cameroon reasserted its commitment to an independent electoral body which it expects to be operational before the end of 2008, Prime Minister Chief Ephraim Inoni said on Friday, 4 July 2008.

Chief Inoni told Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma at a meeting in Marlborough House in London that the Cameroon Government needed another six months to smooth procedures for the body known as Elections Cameroon (ELECAM).

Mr Sharma had expressed concern at delays in making ELECAM operational.

The Commonwealth has been supporting Cameroon in implementing reforms meant to fulfil its obligations more effectively under the Harare Commonwealth Declaration of 1991, which promotes democracy. The reforms initiated by Cameroon involve election management, human rights, the rule of law and the judiciary, and decentralisation.

"Elections are the fulcrum of democracy and the independent electoral commission is the body to ensure that there is credibility about the process. We hope a functional independent electoral body can be in place soon,” said the Secretary-General.

Mr Sharma briefed Chief Inoni about the Marlborough House Statement, issued by leaders in June 2008 after a Commonwealth Heads of Government mini-summit on the reform of international institutions. He said the Statement would be put to leaders meeting in New York in September this year for deliberation and adoption.

The Prime Minister and the Secretary-General also discussed the global problem of high food and energy prices - issues of concern to Commonwealth members.

Secretariat Links:

• Country Profile: Cameroon
• Secretary-General