Cameroon lawmakers revive vice president position
apnews.com • • world
Key Points:
- Cameroon’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment to reintroduce the vice president position, a move seen by the opposition as strengthening President Paul Biya’s hold on power.
- The amendment grants Biya, 93, absolute authority to appoint and dismiss the vice president, who can only exercise powers delegated by him, and will serve as interim president if Biya is unable to continue.
- The ruling party claims the change ensures institutional stability, while critics argue it undermines democratic principles by replacing electoral legitimacy with presidential appointment.
- The main opposition party, the Social Democratic Front, boycotted the vote and condemned the amendment for lacking democratic legitimacy and balance, with some describing it as paving the way for a monarchy.
- The Cameroon Bar Association also criticized the amendment for eroding the democratic legitimacy of the presidency and weakening the constitution; the vice president role had been abolished in 1972.
