By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, PAV – The government of Cameroon has tabled a landmark bill before Parliament, seeking to amend and supplement key provisions of the Constitution and introduce the position of Vice President of the Republic.
The draft law, presented under the authority of President Paul Biya, proposes sweeping institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the efficiency and continuity of the State. It seeks to amend the Constitution of 2 June 1972, as amended and supplemented by Law No. 96/06 of 18 January 1996 and Law No. 2008/001 of 14 April 2008.
The proposed reform aligns with President Biya’s pledge during his swearing-in ceremony on November 6, 2025, where he emphasised the need to adapt state institutions to evolving national and global demands. “We will also submit to Parliament some reforms to enhance the State’s efficiency by adapting our institutions to the demands of our environment,” he had declared at the time.
In comes the Vice President
At the heart of the bill is the creation of the office of Vice President, a move authorities say will modernise governance and reinforce executive stability. The reform involves revisions to several constitutional provisions, notably Articles 5, 6, 7, 10, 53, and 66, to define the status, powers, and responsibilities of the new office.
Under the proposed changes, the President of the Republic will appoint and dismiss the Vice President, who will operate under delegated authority. The Vice President’s term will not exceed that of the President and will be tied directly to the presidential mandate.
A key aspect of the reform is the redefinition of presidential succession. In the event of a vacancy caused by death, resignation, or permanent incapacity, the Vice President would automatically assume office and complete the remainder of the term. This marks a departure from the current system, where interim arrangements are handled within the legislative branch.
Should both the President and Vice President be unable to serve, the bill provides for the organisation of fresh presidential elections. In the interim, the President of the Senate would act as Head of State, maintaining continuity in governance.
Accountability and Legal Oversight
The proposed Vice President will also be subject to strict accountability measures, including asset declaration requirements and oversight by the Court of Impeachment, similar to those applied to the President and other senior officials.
Government officials argue that the reform will bring multiple benefits, including improved efficiency in the management of state affairs, enhanced representation at the international level, and reduced costs associated with organising elections in cases of presidential vacancy.
The bill also has broader legal implications, as its adoption would necessitate amendments to existing laws, including the Electoral Code and legislation governing the Constitutional Council, particularly in areas related to presidential succession and vacancy.
The introduction of a Vice President could significantly reshape Cameroon’s political landscape, strengthening the executive branch while reducing reliance on transitional arrangements managed by Parliament.
However, the proposal is also expected to generate debate among political actors and civil society, particularly regarding the concentration of appointment powers in the presidency and the implications for democratic governance.
The reform also reinforces existing provisions on transparency and accountability. Article 66, as revised, extends asset declaration requirements to the Vice President and other senior officials, stressing the government’s stated commitment to good governance.
With the ruling Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement, CPDM, having a majority in both houses of parliament (National Assembly and Senate), the bill to amend and supplement some provisions of the Constitution is expected to pass without a major hurdle.
