Will this planet's oldest leader retain his title and woo a nation of youthful electorate?
The planet's oldest head of state - 92-year-old Paul Biya - has promised the nation's electorate "the future holds promise" as he seeks his 8th straight presidential term on Sunday.
The 92-year-old has already been in office since 1982 - another 7-year mandate could extend his reign for half a century making him almost a century old.
Election Issues
He defied broad demands to resign and faced criticism for attending just a single campaign event, using the majority of the campaign period on a ten-day private trip to Europe.
A backlash regarding his use of an computer-generated election advertisement, as his challengers courted constituents on the ground, prompted his quick return to the northern region after coming back.
Youth Voters and Unemployment
This indicates for the great bulk of the people, Biya is the only president they experienced - more than 60% of Cameroon's thirty million inhabitants are below the 25 years old.
Young political activist Marie Flore Mboussi urgently wants "new blood" as she thinks "longevity in power typically causes a sort of inertia".
"After 43 years, the population are exhausted," she declares.
Young people's joblessness has been a notable discussion topic for most of the candidates competing in the political race.
Almost 40% of youthful Cameroonians between 15 and 35 are unemployed, with twenty-three percent of college-educated youth facing challenges in finding official jobs.
Opposition Contenders
Beyond youth unemployment, the election system has created dispute, particularly regarding the exclusion of a political rival from the presidential race.
His exclusion, confirmed by the highest court, was broadly condemned as a ploy to prevent any significant opposition to President Biya.
Twelve contenders were approved to compete for the presidency, featuring Issa Tchiroma Bakary and another former ally - both previous Biya associates from the northern region of the country.
Voting Challenges
In Cameroon's English-speaking North-West and South-West areas, where a extended insurgency ongoing, an voting prohibition closure has been established, halting commercial operations, travel and schooling.
The separatists who have enforced it have promised to attack individuals who casts a ballot.
Starting four years ago, those working toward a independent territory have been fighting state security.
The conflict has so far caused the deaths of at least 6k lives and forced nearly half a million others from their residences.
Election Results
Following the election, the highest court has two weeks to announce the results.
The interior minister has earlier advised that no aspirant is allowed to declare victory in advance.
"Those who will attempt to announce results of the leadership vote or any personal declaration of success contrary to the rules of the republic would have broken rules and need to be prepared to encounter consequences matching their violation."
