Can the world's most aged leader retain his title and attract a nation of young electorate?
This planet's oldest leader - nonagenarian Paul Biya - has promised the nation's voters "the future holds promise" as he aims for his eighth consecutive term in office on Sunday.
The 92-year-old has already been in office for over four decades - another 7-year mandate could extend his reign for half a century until he will be almost 100.
Campaign Issues
He resisted widespread calls to resign and drew backlash for only showing up for one public appearance, using the majority of the campaign period on a week-and-a-half private trip to Europe.
A backlash concerning his dependence on an computer-generated political commercial, as his opponents courted voters in person, led to his hurried travel north upon his arrival.
Young Voters and Joblessness
It means that for the great bulk of the people, Biya has been the exclusive ruler they experienced - over sixty percent of the nation's 30 million people are under the 25 years old.
Young political activist Marie Flore Mboussi urgently wants "fresh leadership" as she thinks "prolonged leadership inevitably leads to a type of complacency".
"Following four decades, the population are weary," she declares.
Young people's joblessness remains a notable discussion topic for nearly all the contenders running in the political race.
Nearly 40% of young residents between 15 and 35 are unemployed, with twenty-three percent of recent graduates facing challenges in obtaining formal employment.
Rival Contenders
Beyond young people's job issues, the election system has also stirred debate, particularly regarding the exclusion of Maurice Kamto from the presidential race.
His exclusion, confirmed by the Constitutional Council, was broadly condemned as a tactic to block any significant opposition to the current leader.
12 candidates were approved to vie for the presidency, featuring Issa Tchiroma Bakary and another former ally - both former Biya allies from the north of the country.
Voting Difficulties
In Cameroon's English-speaking Northwest and South-West regions, where a protracted rebellion ongoing, an election boycott closure has been established, halting business activities, travel and education.
Insurgents who have established it have warned to harm people who does vote.
Since 2017, those seeking to create a breakaway state have been battling official military.
The conflict has so far resulted in at least six thousand lives and compelled approximately 500,000 people from their homes.
Election Results
Following the election, the highest court has 15 days to declare the results.
The security chief has already warned that no aspirant is authorized to announce winning prior to official results.
"Those who will seek to declare outcomes of the presidential election or any self-proclaimed victory in violation of the regulations of the nation would have broken rules and must prepare to face penalties commensurate to their violation."
