The Cameroonian Parliament is currently examining a far-reaching draft constitutional revision. Affecting seven articles (5, 6, 7, 10, 53 and 66), this reform primarily aims to establish the position of Vice-President of the Republic , thus profoundly altering the institutional balance and the succession mechanism at the top of the State.

Appointment and prerogatives of the Vice-President

Unlike the electoral "ticket" model, the Vice-President will be directly appointed by the Head of State , who also has the power to terminate his functions.

1. Mission: He only exercises the powers that the President expressly delegates to him.
2. Term of office: His term of office is based on that of the President (seven years maximum).
3. Obligations: Like other senior executives, he is subject to asset declarations and falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court of Justice.

A new succession mechanism

This is the most notable change: the Vice President now becomes the first constitutional successor .

1. In case of vacancy: In the event of the death, resignation or permanent incapacity of the President, the Vice-President shall take the oath to complete the current term.
2. Continuity: Once installed, he in turn appoints a new Vice-President.
3. Senate downgrade: The President of the Senate, who until now was the interim constitutional successor, would only intervene as a last resort (if the position of Vice-President is vacant or if the latter is unable to act).

Legislative consequences

This amendment to the Fundamental Law has a domino effect on the country's legal framework. It necessitates immediate adjustments to two other major texts:

1. The Electoral Code .
2. The law governing the organization and operation of the Constitutional Council .

In summary: This reform shifts the center of gravity of the presidential succession from an elected official (the President of the Senate) to a direct collaborator appointed by the President, thus ensuring a more linear but more controlled transition by the executive.