Cameroon’s opposition leader accuses government of constitutional breach over municipal mandate extension
Maurice Kamto, leader of Cameroon’s Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon (MRC), has formally challenged the recent extension of municipal councilors’ mandates, enacted through a presidential decree on May 4, 2026. The opposition figure argues that the move violates constitutional principles, citing an unconstitutional overreach of executive power into legislative authority and undermining democratic foundations.
At the heart of the dispute lies the amendment to Article 170 of the electoral code. Previously, it capped the extension of municipal mandates at 18 months, but a new law passed and signed in April 2026 granted the President the discretion to extend terms indefinitely. Kamto points out that the law lacks any provision for retroactive application, yet the decree retroactively extended mandates until February 27, 2026—a clear contradiction to constitutional safeguards.
Under the previous legal framework, municipal mandates were set to expire by August 9, 2026. However, the decree artificially prolonged them, sparking accusations of violating the constitutional principle of non-retroactivity, which ensures laws only affect future actions. Kamto, a constitutional law scholar, warns that as of June 1, 2026, municipal councils nationwide will be in a state of legal vacancy. He urges local executives to acknowledge this void and act accordingly, including assuming legal consequences for their actions and those of the councils they represent.
The opposition leader has petitioned the Constitutional Council, demanding it compel the President to call fresh municipal elections. His move raises questions, however, given the Council’s historical reluctance to intervene in politically sensitive cases, often dismissing petitions on procedural grounds.
