In a significant political development, Cameroon's President Paul Biya, the world's oldest head of state, has set February 7, 2023, as the date for the long-delayed legislative and local elections. The announcement was made in a decree read on public radio on Monday, coming at a time of heightened political tension in the country. Biya, who has been in power since 1982, faced widespread protests and a violent crackdown following his re-election last October. The elections were originally scheduled for 2020 but have been postponed twice due to various reasons. This prolongation has led to the extension of lawmakers' terms to December 20 and those of municipal councillors to February 28, 2027. Cameroon is also anticipating a government reshuffle, announced nearly a year ago, and the appointment of a vice president, as per a recent constitutional reform that reintroduced the post. Questions about Biya's health have persisted due to his frequent stays abroad, sparking debates over his ability to govern effectively. The media has been prohibited from discussing these health concerns since 2024. Most recently, Biya returned to Yaounde after a more than two-month stay in Geneva, drawing criticism from the opposition. The authorities have also suspended the Cameroon National Salvation Front, the party of the defeated opposition presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who went into exile following his self-declared victory and calls for supporters to defend it.