Cameroon opposition calls for united front to enforce election timeline

During a July 23 press conference, Joshua Osih, leader of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), urged the government to strictly follow the electoral calendar. He insisted that election schedules belong to citizens, not authorities, and called on all opposition parties—regardless of political leanings—to form a united front to defend this fundamental right.

“Elections must proceed without delay. The electoral calendar doesn’t belong to the government—it belongs to the people. I urge the entire opposition to unite in this demand,” Osih declared. His appeal has yet to elicit a response from opposition leaders.

This demand follows months of controversy after municipal and legislative elections were postponed. The government cited financial, logistical, and security challenges, along with calendar adjustments, to justify the delays. The National Assembly passed the government’s bill, and President Paul Biya’s decree took effect in June 2026, extending mandates until February 2027.