Competitive politics and the dynamics of militancy in Cameroon: basis and implications on political pluralism and development 1961-1992, A historical survey.

Abstract

This research piece titled Competitive Politics and the Dynamics of Militancy in Cameroon: Basis and Implications on Political Pluralism and Development 1961-1992, a Historical Survey. Brings to lime light the dynamics of militancy as a historical reality in the practice and conduct of politics in Cameroon, traces the origins of political competition in the territory, as well as its manifestations from where is exposed the inconsistency of political actors who as militants, failed to uphold a unique ideal of power thus remained dynamic, versatile and flexible to hang on to any ideal of power so long as it met their personal power aspirations. Examining and analysing this attitude and conduct of political actors through the lens of John Cartwright’s theories on political support, methodological individualism and the modernisation theory of development, We came about with the establishment of our thesis which hold that; Politics in Post-independent Cameroon away from being a function of development for general wellbeing, was rather a function of interest for self-preservation against the greater purpose of service to the people and the nation, hence, putting to question the effectiveness of democracy. To successfully conduct this research the qualitative research method was effectively engaged and applied. Since the work is concerned with the practice and conduct of partisan politics in the context of political competition, which automatically necessitates an in-depth analyses of behavioural traits, attitudes, opinions, mind sets, and value systems, the interactive and documentary research approach imposed itself as an imperative. We proceeded in this approach by collecting a wide range of primary and secondary data which permitted a successful diagnosis of the problem. To capture the intentions, attitudes, opinions, mind-sets and facts on the conduct of militancy in post-independent Cameroon we privileged data from newspaper accounts and reports, not living out oral accounts from interviews and documentaries spotlighting key political actors of the period. The end result of the findings revealed that militancy in post-independent Cameroon had remained permanently dynamic and these dynamics besides consolidating the quest for freedom, democracy and the individualisation of politics, it proliferated political parties and produced adverse effects on the general welfare and development of the territory as it enhanced social inequality, conflict and corruption which are all repugnant to development and the wellbeing of the people.