Isabella Carter
Cameroon's constitution has undergone several amendments since the country gained independence. The last constitutional amendment occurred in 2008, when the National Assembly passed a bill to amend the 1996 Constitution. This amendment provided the president with immunity from prosecution for acts committed while in office and allowed the president to run for unlimited re-elections. Prior to this, a significant amendment was made in 1996, which established a bicameral legislature and, to a minor extent, decentralized the government. Other notable amendments include the 1990 amendment that established a multiparty system, and the 1972 amendment that replaced the federation with a centralized government.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Last Amendment | 10 April 2008 |
| Purpose of Amendment | To provide the president with immunity from prosecution for acts as president and to allow the chief executive to run for unlimited re-elections, among other changes |
| Constitution | 1972 (rev. 2008) |
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What You'll Learn
- The 1972 Constitution was amended in 1975 to establish the position of Prime Minister
- A 1990 amendment established a multiparty system
- The 1996 revision provided for a bicameral legislature
- The 2008 amendment abolished presidential term limits
- The 1969 amendment altered the selection process for state prime ministers
The 1972 Constitution was amended in 1975 to establish the position of Prime Minister
Cameroon's last constitutional amendment took place in 2008, when the 1972 Constitution was revised. This amendment provided the president with immunity from prosecution for acts carried out in their official capacity and allowed the chief executive to run for unlimited re-elections.
The 1972 Constitution was a significant document in Cameroonian history, as it abolished the federal system and centralised political power in the presidency. This marked a shift from the previous constitution, which had established a powerful federal government with a president and a vice president, each with their own distinct roles. The 1972 Constitution was further amended in 1975 to establish the position of Prime Minister, and again in 1979 to designate the Prime Minister as the presidential successor.
The creation of the role of Prime Minister in 1975 was an important development in the country's political landscape. While the specific responsibilities and powers associated with the position may vary, the Prime Minister typically plays a key role in governing the country and can serve as a key adviser to the president. They may be responsible for overseeing the implementation of policies, managing the government's day-to-day affairs, and coordinating the work of various ministries.
The establishment of the Prime Minister position can also facilitate better decision-making and governance by providing an additional layer of leadership and expertise. The Prime Minister can work closely with the president and other key stakeholders to develop and execute strategies that address the needs and priorities of the nation. Moreover, the presence of a Prime Minister can contribute to a more stable political environment, as they can serve as a crucial intermediary between the president and other political factions or interest groups.
The amendment to establish the Prime Minister position in Cameroon demonstrates the country's evolving political landscape and the ongoing efforts to refine its governance structure. It underscores the recognition of the importance of having a designated individual to support the president and contribute to the effective management of the country's affairs.
Amendments: States' Ratification Power and the Constitution
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A 1990 amendment established a multiparty system
Cameroon's constitution has undergone several changes since the country gained independence. The last constitutional amendment was made in 2008, providing the president with immunity from prosecution for acts committed in an official capacity and eliminating presidential term limits.
Prior to this, a significant constitutional amendment was passed in 1990, which established a multiparty system in Cameroon. This amendment was a response to the significant political unrest and violent clashes that had taken place. The country had been a de facto one-party state since 1966, dominated by the Cameroon National Union (renamed the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement in 1985). The new multiparty system allowed for the existence of other major political parties, such as the National Union for Democracy and Progress, the Cameroon Democratic Union, and the Social Democratic Front.
The National Assembly approved legislation on 6 December 1990, which provided for a multiparty political system. This was a notable shift in Cameroon's political landscape, as it allowed for more diverse representation and participation in the government. The constitution guarantees all Cameroonians the right to participate in the government, whether directly or through elected officials.
The establishment of a multiparty system was an important step towards democratic reform in Cameroon. It provided an opportunity for various political ideologies to be represented and for a broader range of voices to be heard in the political process. This amendment also set the stage for subsequent political developments in the country, including the creation of a bicameral legislature in 1996 and further decentralisation of the government.
The 1990 amendment demonstrated a shift away from the previous authoritarian, single-party state, where civil rights were often disregarded. By allowing multiple parties to participate in the political process, Cameroon took a significant step towards promoting political freedom and inclusivity. This amendment laid the foundation for a more competitive and dynamic political environment, fostering greater accountability and responsiveness to the diverse needs and aspirations of the Cameroonian people.
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The 1996 revision provided for a bicameral legislature
Cameroon's last constitutional amendment occurred in 2008, but the last time a new constitution was enacted was on 18 January 1996. This 1996 revision provided for a bicameral legislature, establishing a Senate as the upper house of the legislature. This new legislature replaced the previous unicameral system in East Cameroon and the West Cameroon House of Chiefs in West Cameroon.
The 1996 revision also extended the president's term limit to seven years and designated the president of the Senate or vice-president as the president's successor. This change replaced the previous arrangement, where the speaker of the National Assembly was the presidential successor.
The 1996 constitution replaced the provinces with semi-autonomous regions, reflecting a shift towards a more decentralised form of governance. This change was driven by pressure groups from the Anglophone region, who advocated for a return to a federal system.
While the 1996 constitution brought about significant changes, it was the 2008 amendment that introduced provisions granting the president immunity from prosecution for acts carried out during their tenure. This amendment also allowed the president to run for unlimited re-elections, marking a notable shift in the country's political landscape.
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The 2008 amendment abolished presidential term limits
Cameroon's last constitutional amendment occurred in 2008, when Law 96/06 was changed to provide the president with immunity from prosecution for acts carried out in their official capacity and to allow the chief executive to seek unlimited re-elections. This amendment, which passed on 10 April 2008, also included a number of other changes.
The abolition of term limits has been a controversial issue in Cameroon. Some critics, including opposition lawmakers and at least one member of the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), argued that the amendment was a setback for democracy. They claimed that removing term limits concentrated too much power in the hands of the executive and undermined the principles of democratic governance. There were also allegations of impropriety surrounding the vote, with reports of an absent member's ballot being cast by another MP and allegations of media censorship in the lead-up to the vote.
The 2008 amendment also provided the president with immunity from prosecution for official acts, further shielding the executive from scrutiny. This provision has been criticised as a further erosion of democratic accountability, as it removes a key mechanism for holding the president accountable for their actions. Additionally, the amendment was passed shortly after the 2008 Cameroonian anti-government protests, which saw widespread violence and unrest in response to proposed constitutional changes and price increases. The limited public discussion of the changes and allegations of media censorship at the time further fuelled discontent.
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The 1969 amendment altered the selection process for state prime ministers
Cameroon has undergone several constitutional amendments since gaining independence from France in 1960. The country's constitution outlines the rights and symbols of the country, the structure and functions of its government, and the procedure for amending the constitution. One notable amendment occurred in 1969, when the constitution was revised to "prolong the life of the federal assembly" and alter the selection process for state prime ministers.
At the time of the 1969 amendment, Cameroon was a federation of two states, East Cameroon and West Cameroon, each with its own prime minister and legislature. The federal system, established in 1961, created a powerful federal government with a strong presidency. However, the 1969 amendment sought to modify the process of selecting prime ministers for each state. Prior to this amendment, the vice president and the prime minister of West Cameroon were often the same person. However, in 1970, another amendment was passed, prohibiting the vice president from holding any other government office.
The 1969 amendment was part of a series of changes to the country's political system. In 1972, a new constitution was drafted, abolishing the federal system and consolidating power in the presidency. This constitution was approved through a popular referendum and went into effect in the same year. The 1972 constitution also replaced the previous legislative system with a unicameral National Assembly, significantly altering the balance of power in Cameroon's government.
The role of prime minister underwent further changes in subsequent years. On May 9, 1975, an amendment established the position of prime minister, and in 1979, another amendment designated the prime minister as the presidential successor. However, the 1984 constitution, enacted by President Paul Biya, eliminated the post of prime minister altogether. This constitution also renamed the country the Republic of Cameroon and established the speaker of the National Assembly as the presidential successor.
The country's political landscape continued to evolve, with liberalisation in the 1990s leading to calls for a return to the federal system. This resulted in another new constitution in 1996, which established a Senate and extended the president's term limit to seven years. Further amendments in 2008 granted the president immunity from prosecution for acts committed during their tenure and removed term limits for the presidency.
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Frequently asked questions
The last constitutional amendment in Cameroon occurred in 2008.
The 2008 amendment provided the president with immunity from prosecution for acts committed while in office and allowed the chief executive to run for unlimited re-elections.
Cameroon's constitution has undergone various changes since the country achieved independence. One notable amendment was made in 1990, which established a multi-party system. Other amendments include the establishment of a bicameral legislature in 1996 and the abolition of the federal system in 1972.
Amendments to the constitution of Cameroon require an absolute majority of members of parliament or a simple majority in a public referendum.
The 2008 amendment that eliminated presidential term limits and granted immunity to the president was highly controversial and opposed by the population. This amendment has been characterised as a "constitutional dismemberment", signalling a democratic decline in Cameroon.
