Cameroon's Parliament Convenes to Debate Constitutional Amendment for Vice-Presidency

Cameroon's President Paul Biya has convened a parliamentary congress to review a constitutional amendment that would introduce a vice-presidential position, a move seen as a significant shift in the nation's presidential succession process.

Key points

• The proposed amendment allows the President to appoint a vice-president who would complete the presidential term in the event of a vacancy.
• The parliamentary congress, gathering both the National Assembly and the Senate, is scheduled to deliberate on the bill from April 2 to April 5, 2026.
• The vice-president would be appointed by the head of state, who also retains the authority to delegate powers and terminate the vice-president's functions.
• This constitutional change follows President Paul Biya's re-election in October 2025 for an eighth consecutive term.

Why it matters

The introduction of a vice-presidency fundamentally alters the constitutional order of succession in Cameroon, concentrating power within the executive branch and addressing long-standing questions regarding the country's political future.