Necessary Democratic Step

Parliament is the highest legislature. In Cameroon, parliament is bicameral in nature, that is consisting two separate assemblies (National Assembly and Senate). They must both agree on laws. As stated in the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, they have responsibility of controlling government action. And this control comes in several forms, including the scrutiny of annual budgetary allocations to Ministries and State institutions. Both National Assembly and Senate have Finance and Budget Committees which examine draft budgets of ministries. In addition, there are also general debates during plenary sittings on the financial bill, prior to its adoption and subsequently promulgation into law by the President of the Republic. 
From observation over years, the figures of the State budget for past financial years do not change when they get to Parliament. That is to say the amount proposed by government and defended by the Minister of Finance is the same figure that will be adopted in both law-making Houses. 
While the public may see the figures as the same, maybe, it is important to note that the Members of Parliament actually examine the financial projections. Much work is done at the background and the exchanges in Parliament are required and serves as last stage. Simply put, the President of the Republic cannot promulgate into law a document which has not been scrutinised in Parliament. As a result, the Finance Bill must, not just as a matter of principle, be examined by lawmakers. More so, the State budget is prepared in accordance with directives of the President of the Republic as well as taking into consideration national and internati...