World’s oldest leader to get a deputy for first time in 43-year rule

World’s Oldest Leader to Get Deputy for First Time in 43-Year Rule

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, who has led the nation for over four decades, is set to introduce a vice-president for the first time in his 43-year tenure after parliament passed controversial constitutional amendments. The change allows the vice-president, selected by the president rather than elected, to assume the role of head of state if Biya is incapacitated or dies, completing the remaining term before new elections are held.

Historical Context and Constitutional Shift

The vice-presidential position was eliminated in 1972 when Cameroon transitioned from a federal system to a unitary state. Previously, the Senate leader served as interim president until a new election was organized. The recent reforms reverse this, with the vice-president now appointed directly by the president, a move critics argue centralizes authority.

“This constitutional reform could have been a moment of political courage, but it is nothing less than a missed historic opportunity.”

Opposition leaders accuse the ruling party of hastily drafting the amendments to entrench power. The Social Democratic Front (SDF), which has six parliamentary seats, boycotted the vote, claiming the process lacked broad consultation. They advocated for a joint election of the vice-president and the president, as well as a clause acknowledging the linguistic divide between English and French-speaking regions.

Biya’s long rule has sparked debates about succession. Despite reinstating the vice-presidential role, uncertainty persists about the country’s future after his leadership. His eighth term was secured in October with 53.7% of the vote, a result the opposition labeled as manipulated.

Parliamentary Approval and Opposition Reactions

A joint session of Cameroon’s legislative bodies approved the constitutional changes on Saturday, with 200 lawmakers supporting the bill, 18 opposing, and four abstaining. Supporters claim the move will streamline governance by reducing the Senate’s burden in succession scenarios, allowing it to focus on legislative duties.

“The amendment amounts to a constitutional and institutional coup by the ruling party.”

Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement called the changes a “republican monarchy” attempt, highlighting the president’s efforts to secure prolonged influence. The opposition is now rallying against the decision, with Kamto planning an online campaign to oppose the reforms.

Frequent whispers about Biya’s health have circulated, but he has consistently dismissed rumors of his demise by reappearing in public after extended absences. With the new vice-president’s identity yet to be confirmed, national discourse centers on who will succeed him, raising questions about the balance of power in the country’s political landscape.

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