Opposition leader Joshua Osih demands immediate elections

Cameroon’s Social Democratic Front (SDF) leader Joshua Osih has issued a stern warning to the ruling party, calling for immediate adherence to the constitutional electoral calendar. Speaking at a press conference on July 23, Osih emphasized that electoral timelines belong to the Cameroonian people, not the government.

“Elections must proceed without further delay. The electoral calendar is not the government’s property—it belongs to the people of Cameroon“, Osih declared. His appeal targets all opposition parties, urging them to unite under a common front to defend this fundamental democratic right.

Osih’s intervention follows recent controversies surrounding the postponement of municipal and legislative elections. The government justified these delays citing financial, logistical, and security constraints, as well as the need to reorganize the electoral calendar. A legislative bill was approved by parliament, and a decree signed by President Paul Biya in June 2026 extended mandates until February 2027.

While Osih’s call for opposition unity gains momentum, no immediate reactions from other political figures have been recorded. The situation underscores growing tensions between governmental authorities and opposition forces over electoral integrity and constitutional compliance.

The opposition’s united front, if realized, could significantly influence Cameroon’s political landscape as the country navigates these critical electoral challenges.