Constitutional Shake-up: President Biya Tables Bill To Create Vice-President Role

In a move set to redefine the nation’s political landscape, the Republic of Cameroon has moved to amend its Constitution to include the office of a Vice-President. Tabled before the 6th Congress of Parliament (the joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate) this April 2026, Bill N° 2094/PJL/P marks a significant departure from the current institutional framework established in 1972 and modified in 2008.

Fulfilling A Presidential Mandate
The draft legislation stems directly from President Paul Biya’s commitments made during his swearing-in ceremony on November 6, 2025. At that time, the Head of State signaled a period of reform aimed at "enhancing the State's efficiency by adapting our institutions to the demands of our environment". This bill serves as the legislative vehicle for that vision, proposing a "presidential tandem" designed to streamline the management of State affairs.

The Role, Status Of Vice-President
Under the proposed Article 10, the Vice-President will be an appointee of the President, who also retains the power to terminate the appointment. The Vice-President will exercise duties specifically entrusted to them through express delegation from the Head of State.
The bill ensures the new office-holder is held to the highest standards of integrity. The Vice-President will be subject to the same incompatibility rules as the President - meaning they cannot hold other elective offices or engage in private professional activities. Furthermore, Article 66 mandates that the Vice-President must declare all assets and property at both the beginning and end of their tenure.

New Succession Protocol
Perhaps the most critical aspect of the reform is the change to the line of succession. Currently, the President of the Senate is the designated interim successor in the event of a vacancy. The new bill shifts this responsibility: should the Presidency become vacant due to death, resignation, or permanent incapacity, the Vice-President will step in to complete the remainder of the President’s seven-year term.
This change is tout...