Cameroon to bring back Vice President post

A joint session of Cameroon's National Assembly and Senate on Thursday began examining a constitutional amendment Bill that would reintroduce the post of Vice President, who could complete the mandate of the 93-year-old President in case of death or incapacity, reports Market Screener. President Paul Biya has ruled the oil and cocoa-producing Central African nation since 1982 and is the world's oldest serving ruler. Public discussion of his health is banned. The last major constitutional revision in 2008, which removed presidential term limits, triggered nationwide protests that were violently suppressed by security forces. The government says the Vice President role is intended toe nsure continuity of the state in the event of a presidential vacancy. Opposition lawmakers have in the past criticised constitutional changes that strengthen executive power, arguing they weaken democratic checks and balances. According to the draft Bill seen by Reuters, the Vice President would be appointed and dismissed by the President, and he would serve for a duration that may not exceed the President's seven-year mandate. The draft Bill states that the Vice President would continue the remaining term of the outgoing head of state in the event of his death, resignation or permanent incapacity. It also says the interim President would not be able to trigger a constitutional revision or run for office. The ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement holds an overwhelming majority in both houses of Parliament, making adoption of the Bill in its current form highly likely. The Vice Presidency previously existed until 1972 when it was abolished following a constitutional referendum.