§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the British Government are making to the Government of Cameroon about the necessity of holding free and fair elections. [2657]
§ Dr. Liam FoxOur high commissioner in Yaounde has stressed repeatedly to the Cameroonian Government the importance we attach to free and fair elections in Cameroon. My noble friend Baroness Challker outlined out concerns to the Cameroonian Deputy Foreign Minister during his visit to the United Kingdom in August and expressed our willingness to help Cameroon establish an independent electoral commission.
§ Mr. LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the process of registering voters in Cameroon. [2656]
§ Dr. FoxRegistration of voters in Cameroon takes place each year from 1 January to 30 April. This year the period was extended by three months to 31 July. The Ministry for Territorial Administration estimates that 60 to 80 per cent. of those registered for the municipal elections in January have now re-registered which represents between 30 and 40 per cent. of those eligible to vote.
§ Mr. LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the possibility of free and fair elections being held in Cameroon in 1997. [2655]
610W
§ Dr. FoxCameroon's electoral code provides a framework for free and fair elections. We have made clear to the Cameroonian Government the importance we attach to the establishment of an independent electoral commission and offered to help, if necessary. In conjunction with a number of other donors, we are launching a training programme for 2,000 Cameroonian election observers in preparation for the next year's legislative and presidential elections.