On March 23, 2026, the National Assembly of Cameroon adopted a law extending the mandate of the deputies until December 20, 2026. This decision, presented by some as a mere technical formality, immediately sparked criticism and questions regarding its constitutionality and political implications.
The government justifies this extension by budgetary constraints and logistical difficulties encountered by Elections Cameroon (Elecam) in preparing for the elections. It also cites the need to repair the damage caused by the post-election crisis of 2025. According to the Minister Delegate to the Presidency in charge of Relations with the Assemblies, François Bolvine Wakata, this extension will allow to "continue serenely the search and collection of the resources necessary for the financing of the next electoral deadlines".
However, this justification is far from convincing the opposition. MP Jean Michel Nintcheu denounces a "fanciful and biased interpretation" of the Constitution, motivated by purely electoral considerations. Other political actors, such as Abdouraman Hamadou Babba, have appealed to the Constitutional Council to challenge the conformity of this extension. They believe that this decision undermines the legitimacy of the institutions and constitutes a manipulation of the electoral calendar.
It is important to note that this is not the first time that the mandate of the deputies has been extended in Cameroon. In July 2024, a first extension had already been voted, postponing the election date to March 30, 2026. These successive postponements fuel the debate on the need for a reform of the electoral system and a strengthening of the transparency of the ballots.
The decision to extend the mandate of the deputies was adopted despite the criticism of the opposition, and the Senate, with a majority of the ruling party, should soon endorse it before its promulgation by the Head of State. The coming weeks will be crucial to observe the reactions of civil society and international partners to this situation.
In the meantime, the mandate of the deputies is extended until December 20, 2026, the date on which new legislative elections are expected to be held.
