The Procedure to Obtain Justice in Electoral Disputes in Cameroon

All citizens have the right to participate in government, directly or through representatives chosen in genuine democratic elections. The right is guarantee by International and national laws hearing and in Cameroon, it is enshrined in the preamble of the constitution. However, the laws, institutions, and procedures put in place for the procedure established to obtain justice in electoral disputes in Cameroon pose a challenge to guarantee free, fair, and quality justice in the settlement of electoral disputes. This study conducts a critical analysis of the procedure to obtain justice in electoral disputes in Cameroon. Using a doctrinal qualitative methodology, we explored primary and secondary sources. our findings indicate that, the inaction of courts enables incumbents to consistently retain power, thereby negating the principle of consolidation of democracy. Thus, the courts are failing to play a role in promoting democratic consolidation. The research concludes that the procedure to obtain justice in electoral disputes by courts in Cameroon is a serious nightmare with successes. Therefore, the challenges faced in the procedure to obtain justice in electoral disputes by courts in Cameroon brings about the study recommending the following: There should be a total judicial independence by the executive organ, persons with the capacity to petition for electoral disputes be extended, the absence of appeal for national elections be provided, the timeframe to petition and adjudicate matters be extended and finally the constitutional council judges should have a life time mandate.