Cameroon To Hold Parliamentary Polls On July 22

Cameroon will hold parliamentary elections on July 22.

Cameroon will hold parliamentary elections on July 22, state radio said on Saturday, which are expected to maintain veteran President Paul Biya's grip on power in the central African country.

Biya, one of Africa's longest-serving leaders, has been head of state for a quarter of a century and his ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) party dominates the political scene, holding 148 of 180 seats in parliament.

Previous elections have been marred by irregularities and voter apathy is strong. Only 4.7 million people -- around half of those entitled to vote -- have registered for the upcoming polls, according to provisional lists published last month.

Fearing a low turnout, the government has sought the help of of several western missions in the country, some of whose diplomats have campaigned in the field for people to register.

Biya was re-elected in 2004 for a further seven-year term, winning more than 70 percent of votes cast in a poll criticised by human rights groups.

Following strong pressure from the opposition, civil society and diplomats, the government last December created an independent body, ELECAM, to organise, manage and supervise elections but it will only go into operation in 18 months time.