Will the planet's oldest president retain the position and attract a nation of youthful electorate?
The world's oldest head of state - 92-year-old Paul Biya - has promised Cameroon's electorate "the future holds promise" as he pursues his 8th straight term in office on Sunday.
The nonagenarian has stayed in office since 1982 - another seven-year term could keep him in power for half a century reaching almost 100.
Campaign Issues
He ignored broad demands to leave office and has been criticised for attending just one rally, spending most of the election season on a week-and-a-half unofficial journey to the European continent.
A backlash regarding his reliance on an AI-generated election advertisement, as his opponents actively wooed supporters directly, prompted his quick return north upon his arrival.
Young Voters and Unemployment
It means that for the great bulk of the people, Biya remains the sole leader they experienced - above sixty percent of Cameroon's thirty million inhabitants are below the age of 25.
Young campaigner Marie Flore Mboussi is desperate for "fresh leadership" as she believes "extended rule naturally results in a kind of laziness".
"After 43 years, the people are exhausted," she states.
Young people's joblessness has been a notable issue of concern for most of the candidates participating in the election.
Approximately forty percent of young residents between 15 and 35 are unemployed, with 23% of college-educated youth encountering difficulties in securing regular work.
Opposition Contenders
Apart from young people's job issues, the electoral process has generated controversy, notably concerning the exclusion of an opposition leader from the leadership competition.
His exclusion, approved by the highest court, was broadly condemned as a strategy to stop any significant opposition to the current leader.
A dozen candidates were approved to vie for the presidency, including an ex-government official and a previous supporter - the two former Biya allies from the northern region of the nation.
Election Challenges
In Cameroon's English-speaking Northwest and Southwest territories, where a protracted separatist conflict ongoing, an poll avoidance closure has been established, halting commercial operations, movement and learning.
Rebel groups who have established it have warned to target anyone who casts a ballot.
Starting four years ago, those working toward a breakaway state have been clashing with government forces.
The violence has so far resulted in at no fewer than 6,000 individuals and compelled nearly five hundred thousand others from their houses.
Election Results
Following the election, the Constitutional Council has fifteen days to declare the outcome.
The government official has already warned that no aspirant is allowed to claim success prior to official results.
"Candidates who will attempt to announce results of the leadership vote or any unofficial win announcement against the regulations of the nation would have crossed the red line and must prepare to face consequences commensurate to their offense."
