“Cameroon’s Democracy Exists Only in Name” – Says Archbishop Kleda

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – Archbishop Samuel Kleda, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Douala, has criticized the state of democracy in the country noting that “Democracy in Cameroon exists only in name. In reality, it does not exist.”

Speaking during an interview on Equinoxe TV, the archbishop specifically targeted the predictability of election outcomes in Cameroon, accusing the system of being fundamentally flawed. He claimed that electoral results are often a foregone conclusion, undermining the democratic principle of genuine choice.

"Before going to the polls, we already know the winners. This is not democracy," Mgr Kleda stated emphatically, calling for a reexamination of how elections are conducted in the country.

He singled out Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), the body tasked with organizing elections, as a key source of concern. According to the archbishop, the agency lacks the neutrality required to oversee fair elections due to its members being appointed by the sitting president. This, he argued, compromises its credibility and independence.

"Who organizes elections in Cameroon? It needs to be clearly defined. As the saying goes, elections are not organized to be lost," he added, alluding to a system where incumbency almost guarantees victory.

This is not the first time Mgr Kleda has openly criticized the Cameroonian government. In 2011, during a period of heightened political tension, he called for the resignation of President Paul Biya, who has held power since 1982. Over the years, the archbishop has been a vocal critic of governance issues, including corruption, human rights abuses, and the erosion of democratic norms.

The remarks, delivered just as the nation gears up for its 2025 elections, have reignited debate over the credibility of Cameroon's electoral processes and the broader state of governance. Mgr Kleda's pointed critique has drawn mixed reactions. While some view his comments as a necessary critique of a stagnant political system, others argue that he is stepping beyond his ecclesiastical role and venturing too far into political territory.

In his televised interview, Mgr Kleda outlined a series of reforms he believes are crucial to restoring public confidence in Cameroon’s democracy. These include the establishment of an impartial Electoral Body, a neutral and consensual organization, free from political influence, to oversee elections.

He added that there needs to be transparent Electoral Laws, which will mean, revising existing laws to ensure fairness and credibility in the entire electoral process. Without these changes, Mgr Kleda warned, Cameroon risks plunging into deeper political instability and further eroding trust among its citizens.

Cameroon’s political system has long been under scrutiny. President Biya’s more than four-decade rule has been marked by allegations of electoral manipulation, corruption, and suppression of dissent. Opposition parties and civil society groups have frequently decried the lack of transparency in elections, pointing to incidents of voter intimidation, gerrymandering, and irregularities in vote counting.

With the presidential election expected in 2025, these issues remain unresolved, casting doubt on the possibility of a genuinely free and fair electoral process. Mgr Kleda’s critique highlights a growing demand for accountability and reform within Cameroon’s political establishment. His calls for a more impartial electoral system echo the sentiments of many citizens frustrated by a system they perceive as unresponsive and unrepresentative. The archbishop’s remarks also underscore the broader challenges facing Cameroon, including a widening trust gap between the government and its people.