AN ASSESSMENT OF POLITICAL MOBILIZATION AND YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN  ELECTORAL PROCESS IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

An election system is the process by which the citizens of a nation choose their representatives for various government posts. The document outlines the criteria and steps for selecting candidates for elected positions, as well as the election procedures and regulations. This research aims to disprove the inaccurate guidance provided (Cameroon, 2017). Youth's role and involvement in our political process are crucial and should not be underestimated or overstated. To ensure the significance, stability, and effectiveness of your democracy, it is essential for our young people to be involved in the process of developing it. Youth have the right and obligation to contribute to determining the future they will inherit and the kind of life they will encounter. Young voices and voters are equally crucial in the political system, not only adults, when deciding on matters such as the balance between war and peace, economic priorities and strength, and environmental health (Chrda, 2018). Cameroon, situated in Central Africa, has seen substantial political changes since achieving independence from colonial authority in 1960. Cameroon has encountered several obstacles in its democratic progress, including as political instability, corruption, and socio-economic inequalities, despite its cultural variety and natural wealth. It is essential to comprehend the political mobilisation dynamics and young involvement in the election process to promote democratic government and sustainable development (Gwaibi, 2016).

Political mobilisation involves involving people and communities in political activity, which significantly impacts election results and government policy. Political mobilisation in Cameroon has been historically shaped by elements such as ethno-linguistic affinities, socio-economic position, and ideological alignments. The nation's multi-party system, implemented in the early 1990s, introduced a new phase of political pluralism, allowing many organisations and interests to engage in the election process (Kombi, 2015).

Despite democratic changes, Cameroon still faces challenges regarding political inclusion and young involvement. A considerable segment of the population, the young demographic, is mostly excluded from political decision-making processes. Restricted access to education, economic prospects, and civic spaces has impeded the active involvement of young people in influencing the nation's political environment. Additionally, obstacles including stringent election regulations and administrative obstacles hinder young people from engaging in electoral events (Shin, 2017).

Given this context, there is an increasing acknowledgment of the need to evaluate and comprehend the mechanisms of political mobilisation and young participation in the electoral system in Cameroon. An evaluation may provide useful insights into the variables affecting voter participation, political preferences, and the success of mobilisation efforts used by political parties and civil society organisations. Moreover, it may provide insight into the obstacles encountered by young people in engaging in electoral activities and help shape policy measures designed to improve youth participation and democratic government (Verjee, A & Mutah, 2018).

This research seeks to address this deficiency by a thorough examination of political mobilisation and young participation in the election process in Cameroon. The research aims to investigate the attitudes, behaviours, and perceptions of different stakeholders, such as political players, youth organisations, and election authorities, using a multi-method approach that includes surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. The project will investigate how digital technologies and social media platforms contribute to political mobilisation and young engagement, given their growing importance in influencing political discussions and activity. Understanding political mobilisation and young involvement in the election process is crucial for advancing democratic governance and establishing inclusive political systems in Cameroon (Wenzell, 2019). This research seeks to identify impediments and possibilities for young engagement to provide evidence-based policy suggestions that will increase election integrity, political accountability, and empower the next generation of leaders in Cameroon's democratic progress.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Political mobilisation and young involvement in the election process have become crucial elements influencing democratic governance in Cameroon in recent years. Despite the growing significance of young engagement in elections, there is still a notable lack of information of the factors that affect their participation in the political process, as highlighted by Gwaibi (2018). This study seeks to explore how political mobilisation techniques influence adolescent involvement in electoral activities and the variables that support or impede their meaningful engagement.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess political mobilization and youth engagement in  electoral process in Cameroon. The specific objectives is as follows

Assess the level of youths  participation in politics in Cameroons electoral process.

Investigate the factors affecting youths engagement in politics in Cameroon.

Find out the impact of political mobilization on youths electoral participation in Cameroon.

Identify the mobilization based strategy adopted to promote youths engagement in the electoral process of Cameroon.

1.4 Research questions

The following research questions have been prepared to guide the study

What is the level of youths  participation in politics in Cameroons electoral process?

What are the factors affecting youths engagement in politics in Cameroon?

What are the impact of political mobilization on youths electoral participation in Cameroon?

What are the mobilization based strategy adopted to promote youths engagement in the electoral process of Cameroon?

1.5 Significance of the study

Policy makers: Insights gained from research on political mobilization and youth engagement and electoral processes can inform policymakers and stakeholders about necessary reforms to strengthen democratic institutions, improve electoral integrity, and enhance governance effectiveness in Cameroon.

Academia: the findings of the study will be significance to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focuses on political mobilization and youth engagement in  electoral process in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will assess the level of youths  participation in politics in Cameroons electoral process, investigate the factors affecting youths engagement in politics in Cameroon, find out the impact of political mobilization on youths electoral participation in Cameroon and identify the mobilization based strategy adopted to promote youths engagement in the electoral process of Cameroon.

1.7 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.

1.8 Definition of terms

 political mobilization: activities that intend to motivate masses of participants to express themselves and to undertake a particular political action.

youth engagement: the active and meaningful involvement of young people in all aspects of their own development and that of their communities

 electoral process: An election follows a set legal process which is outlined very briefly for candidates and the public below.