On July 9, the National Assembly of Cameroon voted in favor of extending the mandate of current Members of Parliament (MPs), thereby pushing the elections back to 2026 — one year later than initially planned.

The postponement, justified by the government as necessary due to financial constraints and logistical challenges, has been met with suspicion and anger from opposition parties.

Critics argue that the delay is a strategic maneuver by President Paul Biya to maintain his grip on the presidency, as the country continues to face severe, multi-layered challenges, ranging from separatist conflict to poverty.

The 91-year-old leader has been in power for over four decades, without a clear vision for what the future may hold.

Richard Tamfu, an opposition lawyer in Cameroon, explained the legal grounds for the postponement to DW.

"The president of the republic can modify the electoral calendar, as per his prerogative, [which is] enshrined in the constitution. But the constitution gives instances whereby the president of the republic can decide to modify the electoral calendar … for example, [when] there is a serious threat or serious crisis within the nation," Tamfu said.

He also reiterated in this context that the government had cited a lack of financial capacities to hold the elections as planned in 2025 as the reason for the delay.

Opponents, however, view this as an excuse. Christopher Ndong, secretary-general of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, agreed with Tamfu that,........

© Deutsche Welle