During the 1980s, a French television network was privileged to be granted an interview with Paul Biya, the current head of State in Cameroon. It was during this time that he affirmed his ambitions of becoming the person who would bring prosperity and democracy in Cameroon. True to his words, since this famous interview, Paul Biya has worked hard towards implementing a political system which is liberal, open and all-inclusive in terms of participation from its citizens.

As Cameroon recently celebrated 50 years of independence, observers who are well informed of its political state cannot ignore the fact that this country has thoroughly transformed. Indeed, there were upheavals initially throughout the country. The political climate in Cameroon was experiencing so much unrest due to the existence of multi parties a good number of which were being down played. This was during the 1960s when Cameroon's first president Ahmadou Ahidjo enforced upon his opponents a party which was meant to unify all political groups. There was no democracy in Cameroon and it was not until Paul Biya came into power that democracy came into play.

Upon assuming his role as the head of state in 1982, Paul Biya advocated for openness from the beginning. He came up with a policy that worked towards national renewal. This was meant to differentiate his rule from his predecessor's given that his was advocating for democracy in Cameroon. He undertook a transformation which would later on lead to greater freedom systematically, participation of all the country's citizens as well as respect for human life.

In 1985, soon after Paul Biya became the head of state, he allowed the citizens of Cameroon to have the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM). This move was understood as Biya's willpower to ensure that there would be democracy during his reign and this has held up until today. Paul Biya caught people by surprise when he allowed the introduction of multiple candidacies in his party during election. This movement expressed his political inclination and will to continue with a democracy which was not only authentic but true as well, and thus foreshadowing the winds of democratization that would soon blow over Africa in the late 80s and early 90s. Although it was quite rocky at first due to conflicts within CPDM, Paul Biya urged his followers to anticipate further competition. He kept his word by initiating a constitution amendment which paved way for freedom of association a move which would expedite political pluralism as well as promote the foundation of multi parties which thereafter dominated Cameroon's political scene. Presently, Cameroon has more than 200 political parties all of which are not only legal, but which also contribute to the country's political life.

Since the implementation of multiparties, Cameroon has had three presidential elections and the fourth one will be held this year. There have also been three legislative and municipal elections which have given rise to diverse representation of political shades in both the municipal and National assembly.
Nowadays Cameroon can proudly attest to having a democratic parliament where democratic debate prevails. Furthermore, the opposition parties also have a certain number of executive committees and municipal councils which they ran throughout the country.

Further to cultivating democracy in Cameroon, Paul Biya also strives towards nurturing and sustaining harmony among the citizens irrespective of which political party they follow. Thus the concept of a democracy built on peace, tolerance, harmonious coexistence and healthy competition. Moreover, although the ruling party delights in a comfortable majority, the head of state has continued to work together with the opposition parties as well.

Recently, Paul Biya enacted structures warranting effective and full exercise of democracy in Cameroon. For instance, to maintain fair elections, the head of state has formed a self-governing organ known as Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) whose functions will be to manage and organize elections.

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