Cameroon’s Parliament adopted a bill to extend lawmakers mandates by a year, a move that comes one year before the presidential election in the country. The extension of terms to March 30 2026 aims to ‘lighten the electoral calendar ” that includes Presidential, Parliamentary, Municipal and Regional Council elections. During the Session, the House Speaker Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, listened to different legislators, ask for clarity from The Minister Delegate at the Presidency in Charge of Relations with the Assemblies Bolvine Wakata, who defended the bill in parliament. Their concerns were to understand exactly the need for the extension.
According to the Social Democratic Front Chairperson, Joshua Osih, the extension of mandates for Parliamentarians is to technically wipe out any opposition in the 2025 presidential election. “I understand the context of the elections in Cameroon but this bill is only geared towards wiping out opposition parties who are eager to run for the election. Considering the vital role of Decentralisation, it is necessary for us to preserve the peace and development much needed in this country” Joshua Osih added.
Members of parliament from the CPDM ruling party are upbeat, following the adoption of the bill. Hon. Lawson Tabot of Meme Constituency says “It is legitimate and the President of the Republic works in accordance with the Constitution. 2025 will be cumbersome with several elections and considering financial constraints in the country, it was vital for the President to extend the mandates of MPs”
Electoral Code Issues
The current electoral law in Cameroon is widely criticized by opposition party leaders as being designed to keep the ruling party in power indefinitely. Despite this, the opposition is ready to participate in the upcoming election.
The aim is to ensure massive voter registration, voting for change and rigorous vote monitoring.
The CPDM hold 152 out of 180 seats in Parliament. With such number, legislators in Cameroon are looking forward to next elections in the country.
