Cameroon fans are up in arms at the decision of the country’s government to hold elections in the middle of the Indomitable Lion’s World Cup campaign.
Joint parliamentary and municipal elections have been scheduled to take place on 23 June.
There is no game scheduled for that day, but with many fans convinced the team will at least make the semi-finals, there are complaints the government will use the team to its advantage.
« To organise elections during the World Cup is Machiavellian, » said opposition leader John Nru Ndi, of the Social Democratic Front (SDF).
« I believe [president] Paul Biya wants to take advantage of the Lions’ victory. »
The semi-finals take place two days after the election, on 25 June, and fans say if the team get that far they will not be able to give the elections the attention they need.
« They don¿t expect us to follow the World Cup and campaigns in two national elections simultaneously », said one concerned fan.
« Those are two big events which should not clash.
« The government should have postponed the elections..
« Paul Biya wants to divide the hearts of Cameroonians whom he knows love football. »
But the government argues that it is simply respecting the law, which demands that elections are held in June.
And in spite of the frustrations of fans, there will be no delay.
