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Written question asked by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 March 2007.

Cameroon: Elections

Question
asked Her Majesty's Government:What information they have received about complaints by opposition parties concerning the registration of electors in Cameroon, about progress towards implementing the law creating an autonomous electoral body, Elections Cameroon, in Cameroon ahead of this year's parliamentary and municipal elections and about the publication of the results of the 2006 general population and housing census.
Answer

The UK has not received any specific complaints from opposition parties concerning the registration of electors in Cameroon, although we are aware that in previous elections there have been complaints that many who wished to vote were unable to register to do so. The Government of Cameroon are making good progress to fulfil a pledge made to computerise the electoral roll. When completed, this should greatly assist transparency, since voters and political parties should have access to it and be able to see who is registered to vote in individual constituencies. The independent electoral body ELECAM was voted into law by the National Assembly at the end of 2006. The law provides for a transitional period of up to 18 months, during which ELECAM will assume the functions now carried out by the Interior Ministry and the National Elections Observatory. We are aware of the preference among some opposition politicians for a postponement of the forthcoming elections until ELECAM is in a position to run them. There is no sign that the Government will pursue the option of a postponement, which would present problems under the constitution. The international community, in Yaoundé, including the UK, is urging the Government of Cameroon to press on with the implementation of ELECAM as quickly as possible. We are aware of a general level of dissatisfaction among the opposition and others that the results of the latest census are yet to be published and have pressed the Government of Cameroon to expedite this.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
2292; 690 c26WA
Session
2006-07
Subjects
Census Cameroon Elections Electoral register Publishing
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk