afrol News, 11 April - Cameroonian deputies endorsed a constitutional amendment that seeks to extend the mandate of President Paul Biya indefinitely.

Article 6.2 of Cameroon's 1996 constitution barred Mr Biay from serving more than two terms in office. His current mandate expires in 2011.

Mr Biya's Democratic Rally of the Cameroonian People made good use of its overwhelming parliamentary majority to effect the amendment. 15 opposition deputies left the parliament in protest before the bill had been passed.

In his end of year speech, President Biya said a constitutional amendment would be in line with Cameroonians' desire to see him back in office after his term expires. He argued constitutional limitation to two-seven year terms contradicted "our democratic options."

His comments led to wide spread condemnations and protests in the country, leading to the death of at least 20 people.

Biya, a former Prime Minister, who replaced the former President Amadou Ahijo to the throne, had extended the presidential term from five to seven years after his re-election in 1997. He was elected President in 1992, amid claims of vote riggin by his opponents.

Earlier, a group of Cameroonian writers - both home and abroad - vented anger on the constitutional amendment, warning deputies that it "would weaken the institutions that protect Cameroonian citizens against act of barbaric abuse."

They accused President Biya of playing "dangerous and criminal games with the constitution."

"For too long, we have lived as if we do not see the mishaps that have befallen our neighbours," the writers said, believing that "a single foul play with the constitution could plunge the country into insurmountable chaos." They cited recent incidents of conflicts in some African countries, including Kenya, Sierra Leone and Somalia.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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