ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the structure and scope of executive power. First, it explains the semi-presidential ideological underpinnings of executive power in Cameroon. Then, it discusses the structure of executive authority noting that its semi-presidential orientation implies that it is shared between the President and the Prime Minister (PM). The chapter also discusses the structure and responsibilities of the government. It argues that executive power sharing is ineffective as the President exercises considerable power with very limited and inefficient accountability mechanisms. The PM’s powers are very narrowly defined and depend largely on the President. In that context, the PM has very limited powers to influence government policy or to control the government. The chapter demonstrates the pervasiveness of presidential power which has ensued in presidential absolutism, a situation which accounts for an impoverished political culture and evolution.
