BY: Sultan Usman
Claim
Charles Oyango Obbo on X, claimed that the Cameroon parliament approved the postponement of the election until 2026.
Verdict
True, Checks on Myaifactchecker revealed this relying on 19 sources to confirm its accuracy.
Full Text
On Tuesday, lawmakers from the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), which holds 156 of the 180 seats in parliament, passed a law extending their term by one year. Initially elected in 2020 to serve a five-year term expiring on March 10, 2025, the extension moves their term end date to March 30, 2026.
This adjustment, requested by President Paul Biya, is intended to “lighten the electoral calendar,” which encompasses presidential, parliamentary, municipal, and regional council elections.
The bill to extend the parliamentary term was introduced on July 8, 2024, potentially impacting the 2025 presidential election by consolidating power and reducing opposition opportunities.
President Biya, Africa’s second-longest-serving leader, has been in office since 1982 and has maintained power through elections in Cameroon since its return to multi-party politics in 1990.
The decision has sparked controversy among opposition parties, who fear it may hinder their chances in upcoming elections due to a constitutional provision that allows the president to request parliament to vote on election extensions under specific circumstances.
Verification
FactCheckAfrica, using MyAiFactchecker, verified this claim with multiple sources confirming its accuracy.
Conclusion
Cameroon’s parliament has indeed approved the postponement of the 2025 election to 2026. The move, aimed at “lightening the electoral calendar,” has faced criticism and controversy, particularly from opposition parties concerned about its impact on electoral fairness and their ability to contest elections effectively.
