Money, Power, and Electoral Competition: An Analysis of Campaign Financing in Cameroon

Abstract

Political parties play a significant and indispensable role in democratic systems by facilitating political competition, representation, and governance. However, the mechanisms that sustain their activities, particularly election campaign financing, remain insufficiently scrutinized in many developing democracies. This study examines election campaign financing in Cameroon, with a specific focus on the 2018 Presidential election, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the existing legal and institutional framework and assessing its implications for transparency and accountability. The study adopts a mixed research approach, employing questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions as primary data collection tools. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and Microsoft Excel, and the results were presented using tables, graphs, and percentages. The analysis evaluates the effectiveness of the legal framework governing campaign financing, focusing on its ability to regulate funding sources and ensure fair electoral competition. Findings reveal that election campaign financing in Cameroon is derived from multiple sources, including private donations, public subsidies, and, in some cases, potentially illicit financial flows. Despite the existence of legal provisions requiring disclosure, the study identifies significant challenges, particularly weak enforcement mechanisms and limited transparency. These weaknesses create opportunities for corruption, distort electoral competitiveness, and contribute to an uneven political playing field that disproportionately favors incumbents and financially dominant parties. The study concludes that the current campaign finance regulatory framework is inadequate to ensure accountability and democratic integrity. It recommends strengthening transparency measures, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and establishing independent oversight systems to improve the credibility of elections and promote sustainable democratic development in Cameroon.