HC Deb 02 March 2004 vol 418 cc745-6
5. Mr. David Chaytor (Bury, North) (Lab)

What assistance he will be providing to the international monitoring of the forthcoming presidential election in Cameroon. [157415]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Chris Mullin)

The presidential election is due to take place this autumn. The Cameroonian Government have made it clear that observers will be welcome, and British officials will observe the elections across the country. We will also work with our European Union partners and the Commonwealth on practical support for the elections.

Mr. Chaytor

I thank the Minister for that reply. I especially welcome the recent legislative changes in Cameroon that led to the strengthening of the powers of the national elections observatory. However, does my hon. Friend accept that one of the key factors in enabling a free and fair presidential election is the registration of voters? Is he concerned that, particularly among the English-speaking minority in southern Cameroon, registration of voters is an issue and that there may be reluctance among some sections of the community to register? Can he tell the House what assistance the Government will give to ensure the maximum possible registration of voters for this year's presidential election?

Mr. Mullin

My hon. Friend is right: effective registration is the key to a free election. We are encouraging the Cameroonian Government to publish an electoral timetable and to take steps to implement the transparent and fair registration process that is the key to a free election. Registration has been badly flawed in the past. The problem is not just among the English-speaking minority; we think that there are marginalised groups throughout the country, and there needs to be a free election throughout the whole country. We are giving a modest amount of assistance to the national elections observatory, including, we hope, the supply of literally transparent ballot boxes to help to ensure a free election. We are also offering some advice, and the Commonwealth, through Christine Stewart, is actively engaged in encouraging the Government of Cameroon to live up to the Harare principles.

Mr. Tom Clarke (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Lab)

Is my hon. Friend aware that, notwithstanding his welcome references to the EU and the Commonwealth, those of us in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association delegation who visited Cameroon last year and those of us who met the Cameroonian delegation to Britain a few months ago are acutely aware of the French influence on the thinking of the President and in that country? Will he bear that in mind during bilateral discussions as well as within the EU?

Mr. Mullin

We certainly will. I have heard from a number of sources that the CPA visit to Cameroon was extremely successful and highlighted to the Cameroonian public the concern of the outside world about the need for free and transparent democratic processes. On my right hon. Friend's point about French influence, we are working with all our EU partners and with the Commonwealth to try to achieve a higher standard of democratic governance in the country, as there is considerable scope for improvement. We also make that clear in all our contacts with the Government of Cameroon.

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