Historical foundation

The National Assembly

The oldest institution of the modern Cameroonian state — its foundation, functioning, organization, and composition.

1946–1996· seven constitutional stages, one continuous institution

22 DEC 1946
22 DEC 1946·Colonial administration
Colonial administration
Representative Assembly of Cameroon
Established under French colonial law, comprising forty members twenty-four Cameroonian and sixteen French.
1952
1952·Constitutional evolution
Constitutional evolution
Territorial Assembly of Cameroon
The body evolves into the Territorial Assembly as part of successive constitutional stages.
1957
1957·Pre-independence
Pre-independence
Legislative Assembly of Cameroon
Reconstituted with expanded legislative authority ahead of independence.
10 APR 1960
10 APR 1960·Independence
Independence
National Assembly established
Reconstituted as the National Assembly, coinciding with the independence of the Republic of Cameroon.
1962
1962·Reunification
Reunification
Federal Assembly formed
British Cameroons representatives — formerly seated in Nigeria's legislative organs under the Macpherson Constitution — are consolidated into a Federal Assembly following reunification.
2 JUN 1972
2 JUN 1972·Unitary state
Unitary state
Unitary state constituted
A single National Assembly is formed under the new Constitution; its first members are elected on 18 May 1973.
18 JAN 1996
18 JAN 1996·Current structure
Current structure
Bicameral Parliament introducedIn force
Legislative authority is shared between the 180-member National Assembly and the 100-member Senate (70 elected regionally, 30 presidentially appointed).