World’s oldest leader to get a deputy for first time in 43-year rule
Cameroon’s Longest-Ruling Leader Appoints First Vice-President After 43 Years
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, who has governed for over four decades, will introduce a vice-president for the first time in his tenure. This decision comes after parliamentary approval of contentious constitutional revisions. The vice-president, appointed by the president rather than elected, will assume the role if Biya is incapacitated or passes away, continuing the remaining portion of his seven-year term until a successor is chosen.
The role was eliminated in 1972, with the Senate leader temporarily serving as president until a new election could be held. Prior to the amendment, the constitution designated the Senate leader to briefly take over in case the sitting president dies or is incapacitated, followed by an election.
Opposition critics argued that the amendments were hastily prepared to centralize authority. A senior senator from Biya’s party called the process “suspicious.” Persistent whispers about Biya’s health have circulated privately, though public discussion is restricted. He has repeatedly debunked death rumors by reappearing after extended periods of absence.
On Saturday, a combined session of the country’s legislative chambers approved the constitutional amendment, needing Biya’s endorsement. The vote resulted in 200 yes, 18 no, and four abstention votes. Proponents claimed the amendment would boost administrative effectiveness by increasing representation when a president is temporarily unavailable. It would also ease the Senate’s succession responsibilities, allowing them to concentrate on legislative duties.
Opposition Voices Concerns Over Power Consolidation
Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement labeled the amendment a “constitutional and institutional coup” by the ruling party. He claimed the move aims to establish a “republican monarchy” and pledged to initiate an online campaign against it. The Social Democratic Front (SDF), with six parliamentary seats, boycotted the vote. They advocated for a system where the vice-president is co-opted by the president, rather than unilaterally appointed. The party also requested a constitutional clause recognizing the linguistic divide between English and French-speaking regions. This was the structure in place before the 1972 reform.
“This constitutional reform could have been a moment of political courage, but it is nothing less than a missed historic opportunity,” SDF chairman Joshua Osih said.
Cameroon transitioned from a federal system to a unitary state in 1972 after a referendum. This shift led to the removal of the vice-president role. The position existed earlier, from 1961 to 1972, when the country’s two linguistic communities had separate autonomy.
Since taking power in November 1982, Biya’s extended rule has ignited discussions about succession. While reinstating the vice-president role, the country’s political landscape beyond his leadership still faces uncertainty. Last October, he secured an eighth term with 53.7% of the vote, a result the opposition claimed was manipulated. Now, the focus shifts to identifying the new vice-president.
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