Will this planet's most aged president retain his title and attract a nation of youthful electorate?
The world's oldest leader - 92-year-old Paul Biya - has assured the nation's electorate "the future holds promise" as he aims for his 8th consecutive presidential term on Sunday.
The 92-year-old has stayed in power for over four decades - another seven-year term could keep him in power for 50 years until he will be almost 100.
Election Controversies
He ignored broad demands to resign and drew backlash for attending just one public appearance, using the majority of the election season on a 10-day private trip to Europe.
A backlash over his use of an artificial intelligence created campaign video, as his rivals sought voters on the ground, led to his hurried travel north upon his arrival.
Young Population and Unemployment
Consequently for the great bulk of the people, Biya remains the sole leader they experienced - above 60% of the nation's thirty million residents are under the 25 years old.
Young advocate Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "different faces" as she thinks "extended rule naturally results in a sort of inertia".
"After 43 years, the citizens are exhausted," she declares.
Employment challenges for youth remains a specific issue of concern for most of the candidates running in the vote.
Approximately 40% of young Cameroonians between 15-35 are unemployed, with twenty-three percent of recent graduates experiencing problems in obtaining formal employment.
Opposition Candidates
Beyond youth unemployment, the electoral process has also stirred debate, especially with the removal of an opposition leader from the leadership competition.
The disqualification, approved by the Constitutional Council, was generally denounced as a strategy to prevent any strong challenge to the current leader.
12 candidates were approved to contest for the country's top job, including an ex-government official and a previous supporter - each previous Biya associates from the north of the country.
Election Difficulties
In Cameroon's Anglophone North-West and South-West regions, where a extended insurgency persists, an poll avoidance closure has been enforced, paralysing business activities, travel and schooling.
Rebel groups who have enforced it have threatened to harm people who participates.
Since 2017, those seeking to create a separate nation have been battling government forces.
The fighting has to date killed at least 6k people and caused approximately five hundred thousand others from their houses.
Election Results
After Sunday's vote, the highest court has fifteen days to declare the outcome.
The interior minister has already warned that no aspirant is permitted to declare victory prior to official results.
"Candidates who will try to announce results of the leadership vote or any unofficial win announcement contrary to the laws of the republic would have violated boundaries and should be ready to face penalties appropriate for their violation."
