Cameroon Extends Parliamentary Mandate Until December 2026 Yaoundé, Cameroon — The National Assembly of Cameroon has voted to extend the mandate of its current parliament, according to official medireports. Originally set to dissolve on March 10, 2025, the parliament will now remain in session until December 20, 2026, as indicated by the Cameroon Tribune. Lawmakers, who were elected in January 2020 for a five-year term, had previously voted to extend their stay in parliament for an additional year.
President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state at 93 years of age, had signaled a potential delay in the election timetable as early as February 10. By law, the parliamentaries’mandates can be extended for a maximum of 18 months.
The decision to extend the parliamentary term comes amidst a backdrop of political tension and criticism of Biya’s long-standing rule.
Biya’s re-election in October 2024 for an eighth term was met with protests in several major cities, which the authorities responded to with force.
According to local reports, the extension is seen by some observers as a strategic move to maintain political stability and control in the face of growing discontent.
However, the decision has also sparked concerns about the health of democracy in the country.
Further details regarding the reasons behind the extension and the potential implications for future elections are expected to emerge in the coming days. For now, it remains unclear how this extension will affect the country’s political landscape and its relationship with regional and international partners.
