World’s oldest leader to get a deputy for first time in 43-year rule
World’s Oldest Leader to Appoint Deputy for First Time in 43-Year Reign
Cameroon’s 93-year-old President Paul Biya, who has held power for over four decades, is set to name a vice-president after contentious constitutional amendments were approved by parliament. The changes, which received overwhelming support, will allow the president to appoint a deputy rather than elect one, ensuring seamless leadership transition in case of his incapacitation or death. The vice-president will assume the role automatically and complete the remaining term of the current presidency before a new election is called.
The position of vice-president was abolished in 1972, leaving the Senate to temporarily assume executive duties until a new leader was chosen. While the Senate historically acted as a placeholder, recent reforms shift this responsibility to a directly appointed vice-president. Critics argue the amendments were rushed and designed to centralize authority, with opposition leaders calling the process “suspicious.”
Opposition Voices Concern Over Power Consolidation
“This constitutional reform could have been a moment of political courage, but it is nothing less than a missed historic opportunity,” said Joshua Osih, chairman of the Social Democratic Front (SDF).
The SDF, which boycotted the parliamentary vote, had advocated for a joint election of the vice-president alongside the president. The party also sought a constitutional clause to reflect the linguistic divide between Cameroon’s English and French-speaking regions, a feature that existed before 1972. Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement labeled the amendment a “constitutional and institutional coup,” accusing the ruling party of establishing a “republican monarchy.”
Supporters of the reforms claim the changes will improve governance efficiency by reducing the Senate’s burden during leadership transitions. They argue the new system elevates representation while allowing the legislative body to focus on its core functions. However, the opposition remains skeptical, with ongoing debates about the implications for Cameroon’s political future.
Historical Shift and Uncertain Legacy
From 1961 to 1972, Cameroon operated under a federal framework that recognized the autonomy of its francophone and anglophone regions. The vice-president role was part of this structure, but a 1972 referendum transformed the country into a unitary state, leading to the position’s elimination. Biya’s rule, which began in November 1982, has intensified discussions about succession, yet the path forward remains unclear despite the reinstatement of the vice-president title.
Biya’s recent victory in the October election, securing 53.7% of the vote, was criticized by opponents as a manipulated process. With the constitutional changes now in place, national attention has turned to the selection of the new vice-president, sparking speculation about the choice and its potential impact on Cameroon’s political landscape.
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