Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Money Said to Hold up Cameroon By-Elections

   Peter Clottey 23 September 2010
   Paul Biya

Photo: AFP

   Cameroon's  long-time  President Paul Biya is accused by an opposition
   leader of undermining the country's constitution.

   Cameroonâs information minister has denied that President Paul Biya is
   flouting  the  constitution  after an opposition leader accused him of
   refusing  to  organize  elections  to  replace deceased members of the
   legislature.

   Issa  Tchiroma  Bakary  said  the  recent  world economic downturn has
   financially  weakened  the  administrationâs  ability  to  organize  a
   parliamentary by-election to replace the legislators.

   âI  will  like  you to know that the government abides by the law. The
   Cameroon  government  is  ruled  by  law  (and)  we  are a law abiding
   country.  The  head  of  state  sees  to  it that the law is respected
   everyday in the implementation of power in this country.â

   Abba  Aboubakar,  leader of the opposition Révolution Camerounaise du
   Peuple   Uni  (Cameroon  United  Peopleâs  Revolutionary  Party)  said
   Thursday that he has filed a suit against President Biya at a regional
   human rights court for failing to organize by-elections.

   Opposition  leader  Aboubakar  contends  that  the  empty seats in the
   legislature  means  the constituents are deprived of representation in
   the  legislature,  as  well  as  government  funds for infrastructural
   development.

   The  constitution  stipulates that a by-election should be held within
   12 months after the death of a member of parliament.

   Aboubakar  said  he  filed  the  case  at  the  Gambia-based Human and
   People's  Rights  Court after Cameroonian courts refused to accept his
   legal challenge.

   But,  information minister Bakary said the government will continue to
   preserve and protect the constitution.

   âThis  politician  knows  very well, for almost 20 years, this country
   has  gone through very turbulent economic crisis. For almost 20 years,
   that  government  has  not  had  the  opportunity  (to  implement) any
   policies  to alleviate the suffering of Cameroonians. Now, we have our
   heads  above  the  water.  We will just try and the government will do
   (its) the best.â

   He  also denied that the government is against dissent saying there is
   freedom   of   speech   and   association,  as  guaranteed  under  the
   constitution.

.