Africa-Press. Cameroonian President Paul Biya announced a further postponement of the parliamentary and municipal elections that were due to be held in early 2026, without setting an alternative date—extending the political uncertainty the country has faced for years.
The elections—originally scheduled for 2025—had already been delayed to early 2026, before Biya, in his address marking Youth Day, announced another “reset” of the electoral timetable. The president—who has been in power since 1982 and is approaching his 93rd year—justified the move by citing “urgent constraints,” while reaffirming his commitment to respecting the constitution.
The delay deepens an exceptional institutional situation: the terms of lawmakers and municipal councils are nearing their end without renewal. Cameroon has seen similar postponements in 2012 and 2018, fueling doubts about the regularity of electoral deadlines.
Expected government and announced reforms
In his speech, Biya renewed his pledge to form a new government—a file on the table since late 2025, yet no ministerial line-up has been announced so far. He also spoke of restructuring public administrations and state-owned companies, a step closely watched by the public.
The president also promised reforms to strengthen the fight against corruption and the mismanagement of public funds, saying he would give young people—both men and women—a greater role in public affairs amid growing criticism of their weak representation in institutions.
This postponement comes just months after Biya was re-elected for an eighth term last October, an election that sparked widespread controversy and protests that were forcefully suppressed in several cities.
With elected institutions’ mandates repeatedly extended and the formation of a new government stalled, Cameroon’s political landscape remains open to multiple possibilities, while citizens await any new announcement that could clarify the next phase.
