Cameroon: Kamto to Challenge Mandate Extension at Constitutional Council

Maurice Kamto, leader of Cameroon's Movement for the Renaissance (MRC), is challenging the recent extension of municipal councilors' mandates, accusing the government of constitutional violations. A presidential decree dated May 4, 2026, extended the term of local elected officials, a move Kamto argues infringes upon the constitution and democratic principles.

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The executive branch's encroachment on the legislative domain.

Kamto, a law professor, contends that the executive branch has encroached upon the legislative domain by altering electoral laws. He specifically challenges the legality of procedures that removed a limit on mandate extensions previously stipulated in electoral law. A recent law passed on April 14, 2026, granted the head of state the power to extend municipal councilors' terms beyond the previous 18-month limit. However, Kamto asserts this law contains no clause for retroactive effect.

Based on the old legal provision, the councilors' mandates should have ended by August 9, 2026. The presidential decree, however, extended them until February 27, 2026. Kamto insists this decree violates the constitutional principle of non-retroactivity, which dictates that laws should only apply to future events, not past ones. He declared that as of June 1, 2026, municipal councils are in a state of legal vacancy nationwide, urging local executives to acknowledge this and take appropriate legal action.

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This law of April 14, 2026, contains no article stating the retroactive effect of its provisions.

Kamto believes the new legal framework disrupts institutional functioning. He is petitioning the Constitutional Council to compel the head of state to call for municipal elections. The article notes skepticism about the Council's potential action, as it often deems such requests incompetent or inadmissible.

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As of June 1, 2026, municipal councils are in a state of legal vacancy nationwide.