Can this world's most aged leader retain his position and woo a country of youthful electorate?
This planet's oldest leader - 92-year-old Paul Biya - has pledged Cameroon's voters "better days are ahead" as he seeks his eighth consecutive term in office on Sunday.
The nonagenarian has stayed in power for over four decades - an additional seven-year mandate could see him rule for 50 years making him almost 100.
Campaign Controversies
He resisted widespread calls to resign and faced criticism for only showing up for a single campaign event, spending most of the campaign period on a ten-day unofficial journey to Europe.
Negative reaction over his use of an artificial intelligence created campaign video, as his rivals courted supporters directly, saw him rush north upon his arrival.
Youth Population and Joblessness
This indicates for the great bulk of the people, Biya has been the exclusive ruler they experienced - above 60% of Cameroon's 30 million inhabitants are younger than the 25 years old.
Young political activist Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "different faces" as she believes "extended rule typically causes a type of inertia".
"Following four decades, the population are tired," she declares.
Young people's joblessness has been a notable discussion topic for most of the contenders participating in the political race.
Nearly 40% of young Cameroonians between 15 and 35 are without work, with 23% of recent graduates experiencing problems in securing regular work.
Opposition Candidates
Beyond young people's job issues, the election system has generated debate, notably concerning the disqualification of Maurice Kamto from the election contest.
His exclusion, confirmed by the legal authority, was generally denounced as a strategy to stop any serious competition to President Biya.
A dozen aspirants were cleared to compete for the country's top job, including a former minister and a previous supporter - the two ex- Biya associates from the north of the country.
Election Challenges
Within the nation's Anglophone North-West and Southwest areas, where a protracted rebellion ongoing, an poll avoidance closure has been established, halting business activities, travel and learning.
Insurgents who have imposed it have promised to attack people who casts a ballot.
Beginning in 2017, those working toward a independent territory have been clashing with official military.
The fighting has until now caused the deaths of at no fewer than six thousand lives and forced almost half a million people from their houses.
Election Results
Once polling concludes, the legal body has fifteen days to announce the findings.
The interior minister has already warned that no candidate is authorized to declare victory prior to official results.
"Individuals who will seek to announce results of the leadership vote or any unofficial win announcement contrary to the laws of the nation would have crossed the red line and need to be prepared to face consequences appropriate for their crime."
