AN ASSESSMENT ON THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF CONFLICTS AMONG  POLITICAL PARTIES  DURING ELECTION PERIOD IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Representative democracies rely heavily on the active functioning of political parties to function effectively. Tchoungui (2016) argues that political parties are essential to the functioning of representative democracies. While parties manage political leadership, they also improve policy options and provide equally logical alternatives for electioneering, all of which help to articulate popular attitudes and interests. Many political parties have recently shown a reluctance to implement an open system that would enable party members to take part in party decision-making and, to a lesser extent, run for office on the party's platform (Fomunyoh, 2018). 

Conversely, in nascent democracies, political parties often represent diverse interests and ideologies, leading to intra-party fragmentation and factionalism (Schedler, 2002). This fragmentation can weaken parties' organizational capacity and coherence, making them vulnerable to external pressures and manipulation (Levitsky & Way, 2002). Intra-party conflicts, often arising from divergent interests, power struggles, and ideological differences within political parties, can significantly influence election outcomes by shaping candidate selection, campaign strategies, and voter perceptions (Caramani, 2017). Many political groups have become bitter and engaged in cross-carpeting as a result of this dangerous sociopolitical constraint. Therefore, in every democratic system, the preservation of social order depends on intra-party democracy and unity. But a political party's ultimate objective is doomed when some members defect to rival parties, while others just opt to quit the party altogether due to internal strife. According to Akinade, (2018), disagreements among political parties are likely to arise as a result of people's innate biases and differences of interest in whatever social organization they join, regardless of whether they have a similar goal or not. 

According to Umani (2023) in diverse societies, intra-party conflicts often reflect underlying tensions related to ethnicity, religion, or regional identity (Chandra, 2004). Political parties may become vehicles for competing ethno-nationalist agendas, exacerbating social cleavages and hindering consensus-building efforts (Reilly, 2001). Thus individuals within a group or party are more likely to prioritize their own interests above those of the group in order to satisfy their own needs, which may lead to conflicts based on emotional connections and personalities. 

In recent times, it has been noted that numerous political parties in Cameroon face challenges in implementing an inclusive system that not only enables party members to engage in decision-making but also provides them with limited opportunities to run for elections on the party's platform (Cohen, 2015). One might argue that this socio-political limitation is dangerous and has caused hostility and party-switching in several political parties in Cameroon. Cameroon's election procedures have often been marred by accusations of fraud, voter coercion, and conflicts between political factions. Although there have been attempts to change electoral rules and institutions, there are still difficulties in guaranteeing elections that are open, unbiased, and equitable (Njoya, 2019).  According to Umani (2023) in diverse societies, intra-party conflicts often reflect underlying tensions related to ethnicity, religion, or regional identity (Chandra, 2004). Political parties may become vehicles for competing ethno-nationalist agendas, exacerbating social cleavages and hindering consensus-building efforts (Reilly, 2001). Thus individuals within a group or party are more likely to prioritize their own interests above those of the group in order to satisfy their own needs, which may lead to conflicts based on emotional connections and personalities. 

In Cameroon, electoral politics has become so pervasive that officials at all levels of government resort to heinous tactics in their desperation to stay in power or gain it (Atelhe, Lawal & Terhile, 2019). Therefore, it is quite probable that the process of campaigning will expose one to chaos, impunity, horrors, and bloodshed. "The premium on political power is so high that we are prone to take the most extreme measures to win and maintain political power, our energy tends to be channeled into the struggle for power to the detriment of economically productive efforts" (Egobueze, 2021), as Ake had noted (Cohen, 2015). To rephrase, the Cameroon politician's worldview is centered on the need to amass power at whatever cost, regardless of the cost to fellow citizens who have a right to the same advantages, and the need to control all resources. Furthermore, these disputes provide substantial obstacles to the establishment of democracy and the advancement of peace and stability in Cameroon (Fonteh, 2020). 

Regardless of the acknowledgment of the significance of resolving political party disputes in Cameroon, there is still a lack of understanding of the root causes, dynamics, and consequences of these conflicts. A thorough investigation is required to evaluate the underlying factors behind disputes among political parties during election times and their impact on the integrity of elections, democratic government, and social unity (Ebih, 2021). This study aims to contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies and interventions that promote peaceful, transparent, and inclusive electoral processes in Cameroon. It does so by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the causes and effects of political party conflicts during election periods. Therefore, the study assess the causes and effects of conflicts among political parties  during election period in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The electoral landscape in Cameroon is characterized by ongoing confrontations between political parties throughout election cycles, which provide substantial obstacles to democratic government and social stability. Despite attempts to build open and inclusive electoral procedures, tensions between political parties persist and impede the achievement of elections that are free, fair, and peaceful (Fonteh, 2019). These conflicts arise in several ways, such as disagreements on electoral rules and regulations, accusations of electoral fraud and anomalies, and clashes during campaigning and voter mobilization endeavors. 

Bizarrely, these disagreements not only diminish the trustworthiness of election results but also intensify social rifts and tensions within Cameroonian society (Nkwi, 2018). Moreover, the origins of these conflicts are complex, including historical grudges, ethnic rivalries, institutional imbalances, and limited political inclusion (Ebih, 2020). The profound political division and intense power struggle intensify these tensions, hence creating a recurring pattern of violence and instability during election seasons (Takougang & Krieger, 2017). Furthermore, the absence of efficient systems to avoid and handle such disputes worsens their harmful impact on the integrity of elections and the durability of democracy (Njoya, 2021).

Although the harmful consequences of political party disputes on democratic governance and social cohesion are acknowledged, there is still a lack of understanding about the underlying causes, dynamics, and ramifications of these conflicts in the context of CameroonHence, it is essential to do thorough study in order to evaluate the origins and consequences of political party disputes during election times in Cameroon. This study is crucial for providing information that can be used to develop evidence-based policies and interventions to support peaceful, transparent, and inclusive election processes. Ultimately, this will help strengthen democracy and promote social harmony in Cameroon. Hence, the study  assess the causes and effects of conflicts among  political parties  during election period in Cameroon.

1.3 Objectives of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess the causes and effects of conflicts among  political parties  during election period in Cameroon. The specific objectives is as follows

Assess the level of intra-party conflicts in Cameroon.

Examine the factors contributing to intra-party conflicts in Cameroon.

Investigate the effects of political party conflicts on democratic stability in Cameroon.

Propose strategies aimed to mitigate  conflicts among political parties  in Cameroon.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the following

What is the level of intra-party conflicts in Cameroon?

What is the factors contributing to intra-party conflicts in Cameroon?

What is the effects of political party conflicts on democratic stability in Cameroon?

What are the strategies aimed to mitigate  conflicts among political parties  in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho: There is no significant effect of intra-party conflicts on elections outcome in Cameroon.

Hi: There is a significant effect of intra-party conflicts on elections outcome in Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of the study will be significant in the following ways

Policymaker: The findings of the study can provide valuable insights for policymakers, electoral authorities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders involved in promoting good governance and democracy in Cameroon. It can guide the development of evidence-based policies and interventions aimed at preventing and managing political party conflicts during election periods.

Academia: The study contributes to the academic understanding of political happenings in Cameroon. It adds to the body of knowledge on the relationship between political party conflicts, electoral processes, and democratic governance, thereby enriching scholarly discourse and informing future research in this field.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on women contributions to the political system of Cameroon. Empirically, the study will assess the level of intra-party conflicts in Cameroon,  examine the factors contributing to intra-party conflicts in Cameroon, investigate the effects of political party conflicts on democratic stability in Cameroon and propose strategies aimed to mitigate  conflicts among political parties  in Cameroon.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.9 Definition of terms

Political Parties: Organizations comprising individuals with shared political ideologies and goals, aiming to gain and exercise political power through participation in elections and governance.

Conflicts: Disagreements, disputes, or tensions arising from incompatible interests, goals, or actions among individuals, groups, or entities.