Cameroon’s parliament on Saturday approved a constitutional amendment to reintroduce the vice presidency, sparking opposition criticism.
Lawmakers voted 200 to 18, with four abstentions, in a session dominated by the ruling party.
The vice president will automatically assume the presidency if President Paul Biya dies, resigns, or becomes incapacitated.
Biya, 93, has ruled Cameroon since 1982, making him the world’s oldest serving head of state. Discussion of his health is banned.
The president will appoint and can dismiss the vice president, who serves the remainder of the term and cannot run in subsequent elections.
The government says the reform ensures institutional stability, while critics argue it centralises power and weakens democracy.
Joshua Osih of the opposition Social Democratic Front called the amendment a missed opportunity for joint presidential and vice-presidential elections.
Cameroon last revised its constitution in 2008, removing presidential term limits amid nationwide protests, and the vice presidency had been abolished in 1972.
The amendment arrives as Cameroon continues to face civil conflict, raising fears it could consolidate executive control further.
