Cameroon sets February 7 for twice-delayed legislative and local elections

Cameroon's legislative and local elections are scheduled for February 7, 2027, after President Paul Biya announced the date in a decree read on public radio on Monday. The announcement follows two postponements and sets a new timetable rather than marking the completion of the polls.

The delays had extended lawmakers' terms until December 20 and municipal councillors' terms until February 28, 2027. The new elections will take place amid continuing tension between the government and opposition following last year's disputed presidential contest.

Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982 and won another presidential term in October 2025. The result prompted protests and a crackdown. Human Rights Watch has cited lawyers who said security forces detained as many as 2,000 people. That is an attributed estimate, not a separately verified final arrest count.

Authorities suspended the Cameroon National Salvation Front last month. Its leader, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, disputes the presidential result and has gone into exile in the Gambia after claiming victory himself.

The country is also waiting for a government reshuffle and the appointment of a vice president. The position was restored through a constitutional reform in April. Those unresolved appointments form part of the political background, while the immediate announcement concerns the date for legislative and municipal voting.