Cameroon flagPolitics & Government Guide

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Cameroon

Cameroon is a unitary presidential republic dominated by President Paul Biya and his CPDM party since 1982, with a bicameral legislature and limited political space for opposition. Upcoming 2025 presidential elections face controversy amid postponed legislative polls to 2026 and suppression of opposition activities. The government maintains centralized control amid calls for reform and anti-corruption efforts.

Government Type

Unitary presidential republic

Legal System

Mixed system of civil law, common law, and customary law

Head of State

President Paul Biya(since 1982)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Joseph Ngute(Cameroon People's Democratic Movement)since 2019

Legislature

Type:bicameral
Upper House:Senate (100 seats)
Lower House:National Assembly (180 seats)

Major Political Parties

Cameroon People's Democratic Movement(CPDM)

Ruling party

152 seats
Cameroon Renaissance Movement(MRC)

Opposition

0 seats

Voting Rights

Citizens aged 20 and above have the right to vote in presidential, legislative, and regional elections

Recent Developments

  • Legislative elections postponed from 2025 to 2026 by CPDM-dominated parliament
  • Opposition coalitions banned and driven underground ahead of 2025 presidential election
  • Government investment priorities set for 2024-2026 focusing on essential services and infrastructure
Voting Age20
SuffrageUniversal
Constitution1972
Regions10