Municipal Councillors’ Mandate Extended to February 2027

By Lasha Kingsly

 

The President of the Republic has signed a decree extending the mandate of municipal councillors across Cameroon, pushing the end of their current term from June 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027.

The measure is set out in Decree No. 2026/166 of May 4, 2026, signed in Yaoundé, and concerns councillors elected during the municipal elections of February 9, 2020.

According to the text, the extension may be reviewed should municipal elections be organised within the period, in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Code.

Legal foundation

The decision is based on the Constitution and the Electoral Code as amended in 2012 and 2026. It also follows Decree No. 2024/328, which had previously extended the mandate of municipal councillors.

The Head of State acted after consultations with the Government and the Bureau of the Senate, as well as correspondence from the Prime Minister and the President of the Senate dated March 25, 2026.

The decree further states that it shall be registered, published under emergency procedure, and inserted in both French and English versions of the Official Gazette.

Electoral timetable adjustments

This new extension comes as Cameroon continues adjustments to its local electoral calendar. In recent years, municipal elections have experienced delays or mandate extensions linked to administrative requirements, electoral preparations, and ongoing institutional reforms.

The decentralisation process, reinforced in 2019, aims to strengthen local governance and enhance the role of elected councils. However, its implementation has been gradual, with electoral scheduling remaining a key challenge.

Security constraints in certain regions, particularly the North-West and South-West, as well as nationwide logistical arrangements by Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), have also influenced the organisation of elections.

Ensuring continuity

The extension keeps incumbent municipal councils in office for an additional eight months beyond their initial mandate, ensuring continuity in local administration while preparations for the next electoral cycle continue.

Authorities maintain that such measures are intended to preserve institutional stability and facilitate proper electoral organisation. However, the repeated adjustments to the electoral calendar continue to draw public attention.

With the new deadline set for February 2027, focus now shifts to the organisation and timing of the next municipal elections.