Cameroon is a republic dominated by a strong presidency. The country has a multiparty system of government, but the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement CPDM has remained in power since it was created in It has unfettered control of all government branches. The president retains the power to control legislation and rule by decree.
The election was flawed by irregularities, including the failure to properly distribute all voter cards, late opening of polling stations, multiple voting, ballot-box stuffing, the absence of indelible ink, and intimidation of voters. There were instances in which elements of the security forces acted independently of civilian control.
The most important human rights problems in the country were security force abuses β particularly of detainees and prisoners; denial of fair and speedy public trial; and restrictions on freedom of assembly. Other major human rights abuses included arbitrary arrest and detention, prolonged and sometimes incommunicado pretrial detention, life-threatening prison conditions, and infringement on privacy rights. The government harassed and imprisoned journalists, restricted freedoms of speech, press, and association, and impeded freedom of movement.
Corruption was pervasive at all levels of government. Societal violence and discrimination against women and girls, including female genital mutilation FGM , was a problem. Trafficking in persons, particularly children, and discrimination against pygmies, gays, and lesbians occurred.
There was occasional discrimination against persons with albinism, although such incidents continued to decrease. The government restricted worker rights and the activities of independent labor organizations. Hereditary servitude, forced labor, including by children, and child labor were problems.
