By Ngembeni Wa Namaso
In a democracy, the Parliament's role extends beyond mere formality; it is a pillar of national governance, charged with safeguarding the public interest, ensuring government accountability, and upholding the principles of transparency and justice.
The refusal and unwillingness of the Cameroonian government to allow thorough parliamentary scrutiny of the proposed Taxation Law signals a grave breach of this sacred duty, with wide-ranging social, economic, and political ramifications.
The Sacred Duty of Parliament in a Democracy
The primary responsibility of Parliament in a democracy is to represent the will of the people and hold the executive branch accountable. This duty involves rigorous examination of laws that will affect citizens' lives, finances, and liberties.
In the context of the taxation law, this means ensuring that any changes or new fiscal policies are transparent, just, and in the best interest of the public. Scrutiny is not a bureaucratic formality; it is a crucial step to prevent corruption, mismanagement, and to foster trust between the government and the citizens it serves.
The Case of Cameroon: A Democracy in Crisis
In Cameroon, the ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), enjoys an overwhelming majority in Parliament. This dominance has rendered parliamentary debate on contentious issues a mere formality, as dissenting voices within the ruling party are rare due to fear of ostracization and political repercussions. This stifling environment hampers the ability of Parliamentarians to fulfill their sacred duty of oversight and public representation.
The refusal to submit the Taxation Law for proper scrutiny not only circumvents the principle of legislative accountability but also threatens to erode public trust in government institutions.
The situation is further compounded by revelations from Hon. Cabral Libii, an opposition figure not affiliated with the CPDM, who exposed that the Public Accounts Auditing Bench, attached to the Ministry of Justice, deemed the government's 2023 financial statement not credible.
This assessment underlines the urgent need for transparent, independent evaluation of laws that will affect the economy and the lives of the citizenry.
Social Consequences
The social consequences of this lack of parliamentary oversight and transparency are profound. A taxation policy passed without proper scrutiny can lead to inequities and economic hardships for the population.
The absence of a credible and accountable legislative process can breed a sense of disillusionment among the people, fostering a culture of apathy or, worse, resentment toward government institutions. When citizens perceive that their representatives are powerless or unwilling to act in their best interests, social cohesion weakens, and trust in democratic institutions erodes.
Economic Consequences
Economically, the consequences are significant. If a taxation law is rushed through without public examination, it risks being flawed or unfair. This can lead to economic inefficiencies, where businesses and individuals are burdened by arbitrary or ineffective tax policies.
Such a situation could stifle economic growth, discourage investment, and contribute to economic inequality. Additionally, a lack of accountability makes it easier for resources to be mismanaged or misappropriated, exacerbating issues like corruption and reducing the government's ability to deliver public goods and services effectively.
Political Consequences
Politically, the refusal to allow proper scrutiny exacerbates a culture of impunity and undermines the principles of democratic governance. When a government operates without checks and balances, it risks consolidating power in ways that are detrimental to democratic norms.
The lack of independent review means that policy decisions may be driven by short-term political gains rather than long-term public interest. This undermines the legitimacy of the government and risks creating an environment where dissent is suppressed, and opposition voices are marginalized.
The fear of ostracization within the ruling party, where members avoid dissenting for fear of political retribution, weakens the democratic process. The unwillingness to debate and scrutinize policy is a stark departure from democratic principles and creates a governance environment where power is exercised without accountability.
Call to Action
Cameroon's citizens, civil society organizations, and the international community must demand that the government uphold the principles of democracy and transparency. Parliamentarians must be emboldened to carry out their sacred duty to represent the people, scrutinize legislation thoroughly, and advocate for the public interest without fear of reprisal.
The government must ensure that laws, especially those impacting public finances such as taxation, are subjected to full parliamentary review.
It is essential for all stakeholders to push for reforms that strengthen the checks and balances of the democratic process, promote genuine political dialogue, and restore trust in the institutions of governance.
Only by fostering an environment where accountability and transparency are the norms can Cameroon move forward as a truly democratic nation.
In conclusion, the sacred duty of Parliament to represent the will of the people and provide proper oversight is being undermined. This not only weakens the democracy but also has detrimental social, economic, and political consequences. Cameroon's future depends on the reinstatement of these core democratic principles.
Ngembeni Wa Namaso is an Environmental Management Specialist and commentator on Society and Politics. He holds a PhD in Forest Policy and Economics He is based in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
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