PERCEPTIONS OF DEMOCRACY AND DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES BY CAMEROONIANS

PERCEPTIONS OF DEMOCRACY AND DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES BY CAMEROONIANS

Abstract

The ideal of democracy and its principles have been adopted in various countries around the world and Cameroon is no exception. The perception of democracy varies among different cultures and generations and as such learning about how Cameroonians at home and abroad perceive democracy would be a good start for the academia and policy makers to better understand the future directions Cameroon’s democracy. In this light, given the fact that Cameroon is a young democracy with just over 20 years of experience, the empirical research presented in this paper focuses on the perceptions of democracy and its principles expressed by Cameroonians at home and in the Diaspora.

Thus, this research aims at answering the following research questions: What are Cameroonian cognitive associations and perceptions towards democracy?, How do Cameroonians view their democracy to be different?,. The qualitative study is based on semi-standardized interviews, written surveys, and field research (video transcripts, observation records). The research revealed that many Cameroonians approve of the efforts made by the country towards its adherence to core democratic principles of citizenship rights, political institutions and multi-partism. However, a majority in the Diaspora voiced ambivalent notions while expressing veiled scepticism, although they rarely expressed open criticism based on their own fears towards political developments in Cameroon. Despite some difficulties observed in the functioning of democracy, the general assessment of its perception in Cameroon is fairly positive but efforts must be made to improve on the electoral process.

KEYWORDS: Cameroon’s Democracy, Democratic principles, Perceptions

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