Cameroon Election Puts The Nation In Crisis

Cameroon faces many challenges. The re-election of Paul Biya has created more political tension with opposition candidates attempting to contest the results.President Biya has been in power since 1982 and it appears there may be no end in sight to his long rule. What has emerged is an Anglophone based separatist movement, which he has used as a justification for strict measures. Simultaneously, Cameroon also with the assistance of Nigeria is at war with Boko Harem. Cameroon with such security challenges cannot maintain a functional democracy. The problem is that areas in which there is combat, it would not be safe to open polls. Then there is the issue of low voter turn out. If most citizens realize that the system cannot be overturned through democratic means, this may induce a civil war. There have been allegations of electoral fraud and intimidation in the elections for the presidency. Some may think that a violent overthrow would be the answer, but this would result in possible instability and conflicts between various borders. It may be that Paul Biya will be president for life and justify authoritarian policies a means for state security.Economically, Cameroon continues to struggle with poverty and lack of development. Paul Biya can always scapegoat the Anglophone separatist movement or  Boko Harem for Cameroon's problems while deflecting questions about  corruption and abuse of power.