Cameroon is set to introduce the position of vice-president for the first time in over five decades, following constitutional amendments backed by parliament under President Paul Biya.<\/p>\n
The move marks a significant shift in the country\u2019s leadership structure, especially given Biya\u2019s age of 93 and his more than 40 years in power. Under the new changes, the vice-president\u2014who will be appointed by the president\u2014will automatically assume office and complete the presidential term in the event of death or incapacity.<\/p>\n
Previously, the constitution designated the Senate leader as interim president, but only temporarily until fresh elections were organized.<\/p>\n
The amendments were passed during a joint sitting of parliament, with an overwhelming majority of lawmakers voting in favor. Supporters argue the reform will improve government efficiency and ensure continuity in leadership without disrupting governance.<\/p>\n
However, the changes have sparked strong criticism from opposition figures. The Social Democratic Front boycotted the vote, arguing that the process lacked broad consultation and should have allowed citizens to elect a running mate alongside the president.<\/p>\n
Opposition leader Joshua Osih described the reform as a missed opportunity for meaningful political progress, while Maurice Kamto labeled it a \u201cconstitutional and institutional coup,\u201d accusing the ruling establishment of consolidating power.<\/p>\n
Historically, Cameroon had a vice-president between 1961 and 1972 under a federal system that balanced the country\u2019s English- and French-speaking regions. The position was abolished after the country transitioned to a unitary state in 1972.<\/p>\n
Despite the reintroduction of the role, uncertainty remains over the country\u2019s political future, with growing public interest in who will be appointed as vice-president and what it means for succession in one of Africa\u2019s longest-running presidencies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Cameroon is set to introduce the position of vice-president for the first time in over five decades, following constitutional amendments backed by parliament under President Paul Biya. The move marks a significant shift in the country\u2019s leadership structure, especially given Biya\u2019s age of 93 and his more than 40 years in power. Under the new […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8539,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[648,647],"class_list":{"0":"post-8538","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-international","8":"tag-cameroon","9":"tag-paul-biya"},"yoast_head":"\n