Can the planet's most aged leader retain the title and woo a country of young voters?
This world's oldest leader - 92-year-old Paul Biya - has promised the nation's electorate "better days are ahead" as he aims for his 8th straight presidential term on Sunday.
The nonagenarian has remained in office for over four decades - an additional 7-year term could see him rule for 50 years making him almost 100.
Campaign Controversies
He defied numerous appeals to resign and faced criticism for only showing up for a single campaign event, spending most of the election season on a week-and-a-half personal visit to the European continent.
A backlash over his dependence on an artificial intelligence created political commercial, as his opponents courted constituents in person, prompted his quick return to the northern region upon his arrival.
Young Population and Joblessness
Consequently for the vast majority of the people, Biya is the only president they experienced - over sixty percent of the nation's 30 million inhabitants are below the quarter century mark.
Youthful campaigner Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "fresh leadership" as she maintains "prolonged leadership naturally results in a type of complacency".
"Following four decades, the citizens are weary," she states.
Young people's joblessness has become a particular issue of concern for most of the contenders participating in the election.
Approximately 40% of youthful residents between 15 to 35 years are without work, with 23% of college-educated youth experiencing problems in securing regular work.
Rival Candidates
Beyond youth unemployment, the electoral process has generated dispute, notably concerning the exclusion of a political rival from the election contest.
His exclusion, approved by the Constitutional Council, was generally denounced as a strategy to stop any serious competition to President Biya.
A dozen contenders were cleared to compete for the country's top job, including a former minister and Bello Bouba Maigari - the two previous Biya colleagues from the northern region of the country.
Election Challenges
In Cameroon's Anglophone North-West and Southwest regions, where a extended rebellion ongoing, an election boycott lockdown has been enforced, paralysing business activities, travel and education.
Rebel groups who have enforced it have threatened to harm people who casts a ballot.
Beginning in 2017, those seeking to create a breakaway state have been clashing with government forces.
The fighting has so far killed at least 6,000 people and compelled almost five hundred thousand others from their residences.
Vote Outcome
After Sunday's vote, the Constitutional Council has 15 days to reveal the results.
The security chief has previously cautioned that none of the contenders is authorized to claim success prior to official results.
"Those who will attempt to announce results of the leadership vote or any unofficial win announcement contrary to the regulations of the republic would have violated boundaries and must prepare to face retaliatory measures commensurate to their crime."
