A presidential decree, made public on March 25, 2026, extends the mandate of Cameroonian deputies from March 31 to December 20, 2026. This decision follows the adoption of a law to that effect by the National Assembly.
The government justifies this extension by citing budgetary constraints and logistical difficulties encountered by Elecam, the body in charge of elections. According to François Bolvine Wakata, Minister Delegate to the Presidency in charge of Relations with the Assemblies, the Cameroonian State is still repairing the damage from the post-election crisis of 2025. A first extension had already been justified by the difficulty of organizing several elections simultaneously.
This decision comes in a context of change at the head of the National Assembly. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril was recently replaced by Théodore Datouo, former vice-president of the institution. Datouo, elected on March 17, 2026, now has the opportunity to chair a full parliamentary year, including the three ordinary sessions. His election marks a turning point, with some political analysts seeing it as a test for the credibility and independence of Parliament.
The extension of the deputies' mandate is generating mixed reactions. The opposition denounces a violation of the constitution and a maneuver to avoid legislative elections that could be unfavorable to the ruling party. Voices are being raised to challenge the legitimacy of deputies voting on constitutional reforms after such an extension of their mandate. Jean-Michel Nintcheu, an opposition deputy, called this extension an "insult to national intelligence".
The political context in Cameroon remains tense, marked by calls for reform of the electoral system and a crisis of confidence in institutions. The extension of the deputies' mandate, combined with the wait for a new government since the contested re-election of Paul Biya in 2025, fuels speculation about a possible dynastic devolution of power. The next election deadline is now set for December 20, 2026.
