Cameroon - April 2026

On 14 April, Parliament approved and the President enacted a constitutional amendment that reintroduces an unelected office of Vice-President and alters the rules governing presidential succession.  The amendment replaces the previous system under which the President of the Senate served as interim head of state and oversaw the organization of a new presidential election in the event of a vacancy. Under the new framework, the Vice-President will be appointed by the President and not confirmed by parliament and will automatically assume the presidency in the event of the death, resignation or incapacity of the head of state.  Critics expressed concerns over repeated election postponements and increasing concentration of executive authority, given the longstanding public debate over presidential succession during the four-decade rule of President Paul Biya, whose advanced age and limited public appearances have intensified discussion about potential future leadership transitions. 

Sources: Human Rights and Legal Research Centre; Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon; Constitution Net