Prime 9ja Online reports that Cameroonian President Paul Biya has secured approval from lawmakers to delay legislative and local elections until 2026, a move that opposition parties fear will hinder their ability to contest the 2025 presidential election.
Lawmakers from Biya's ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) voted in favour of the bill, extending their term by one year until March 2026. This means legislative and municipal elections will take place after the 2025 presidential poll.
The government justified the postponement as necessary to "lighten the electoral calendar", as the country initially planned four elections for next year, including regional council elections.
Opposition parties, however, have raised concerns that this move will complicate their ability to contest the presidential election, as they lack representation in the National Assembly and Senate.
Maurice Kamto, Biya's main challenger in 2018, does not have the required representation, as his party boycotted the last municipal and legislative elections due to lack of electoral reforms.
Biya, 91, is one of Africa's longest-serving presidents, having taken office in 1982. His re-election in 2018 was marred by allegations of fraud by his opponents.
The electoral code requires a presidential candidate to be nominated by a political party represented in the National Assembly, Senate, Regional or Municipal Council, or obtain recommendations from at least 300 personalities.
This development has sparked concerns among opposition parties, who fear that the postponement will further entrench Biya's rule and limit their chances of contesting the presidential election.