Cameroon Approves Return of Vice President Position in Government
After more than 40 years in power, President Paul Biya is poised to install a vice-president for the first time in his rule, following parliament’s approval of contentious constitutional changes. The move revives a position that was abolished...
After more than 40 years in power, President Paul Biya is poised to install a vice-president for the first time in his rule, following parliament’s approval of contentious constitutional changes. The move revives a position that was abolished in 1972.
The amendment hands the aging leader sweeping control over the vice president’s office: Biya can appoint and dismiss the deputy at his discretion, and the vice president may exercise only those authorities the president delegates. In the event of the president’s death, resignation, or incapacity, the vice president would serve as interim head of state. Biya has ruled the oil- and cocoa-producing nation since 1982.
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The world’s oldest serving leader secured an eighth term last October with 53.7% of the vote—an outcome the opposition said was rigged.