Can this world's oldest president keep the position and attract a country of youthful voters?
The world's most aged head of state - 92-year-old Paul Biya - has promised the nation's voters "the best is still to come" as he seeks his 8th straight presidential term on Sunday.
The 92-year-old has stayed in power for over four decades - an additional seven-year mandate could keep him in power for 50 years reaching almost 100.
Campaign Controversies
He ignored broad demands to step down and drew backlash for making merely one rally, devoting much of the political race on a 10-day private trip to the European continent.
Criticism concerning his use of an AI-generated political commercial, as his rivals actively wooed supporters on the ground, prompted his quick return to the northern region upon his arrival.
Young Population and Unemployment
This indicates for the great bulk of the citizenry, Biya has been the exclusive ruler they experienced - above 60% of the nation's 30 million residents are under the age of 25.
Young advocate Marie Flore Mboussi is desperate for "new blood" as she thinks "longevity in power naturally results in a kind of complacency".
"After 43 years, the citizens are exhausted," she says.
Youth unemployment has become a notable discussion topic for most of the candidates participating in the election.
Nearly 40% of youthful citizens between 15-35 are jobless, with 23% of young graduates experiencing problems in securing regular work.
Rival Candidates
In addition to young people's job issues, the voting procedure has also stirred dispute, notably concerning the removal of a political rival from the election contest.
His exclusion, confirmed by the highest court, was broadly condemned as a ploy to stop any serious competition to the current leader.
Twelve aspirants were authorized to compete for the presidency, including an ex-government official and Bello Bouba Maigari - each former Biya allies from the northern region of the nation.
Election Challenges
In Cameroon's English-speaking Northwest and Southwest areas, where a protracted rebellion persists, an election boycott restriction has been established, paralysing business activities, transport and education.
The separatists who have established it have warned to attack anyone who casts a ballot.
Beginning in 2017, those seeking to create a independent territory have been battling government forces.
The fighting has until now resulted in at minimum six thousand people and caused approximately half a million others from their homes.
Vote Outcome
Following the election, the Constitutional Council has 15 days to reveal the findings.
The interior minister has previously cautioned that no aspirant is authorized to declare victory prior to official results.
"Those who will seek to announce results of the leadership vote or any self-proclaimed victory contrary to the rules of the republic would have violated boundaries and need to be prepared to receive consequences appropriate for their offense."
