Can this planet's most aged leader retain his title and attract a nation of youthful voters?
The planet's most aged head of state - 92-year-old Paul Biya - has pledged the nation's voters "better days are ahead" as he pursues his eighth consecutive presidential term on Sunday.
The elderly leader has stayed in power for over four decades - an additional seven-year mandate could keep him in power for half a century until he will be almost a century old.
Election Controversies
He resisted widespread calls to resign and faced criticism for only showing up for one public appearance, devoting much of the political race on a week-and-a-half private trip to Europe.
A backlash regarding his dependence on an AI-generated political commercial, as his opponents courted supporters directly, prompted his quick return north after coming back.
Young Voters and Unemployment
It means that for the vast majority of the people, Biya has been the exclusive ruler they have known - over sixty percent of Cameroon's 30 million people are below the 25 years old.
Young political activist Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "fresh leadership" as she thinks "longevity in power inevitably leads to a type of complacency".
"After 43 years, the citizens are tired," she declares.
Employment challenges for youth has become a specific issue of concern for the majority of the contenders running in the election.
Nearly 40% of young Cameroonians between 15 to 35 years are unemployed, with 23% of college-educated youth facing challenges in securing regular work.
Opposition Candidates
In addition to youth unemployment, the voting procedure has also stirred controversy, notably concerning the exclusion of an opposition leader from the leadership competition.
His exclusion, upheld by the highest court, was widely criticised as a ploy to prevent any serious competition to the incumbent.
Twelve contenders were authorized to compete for the presidency, including Issa Tchiroma Bakary and another former ally - both ex- Biya associates from the north of the country.
Election Difficulties
In Cameroon's Anglophone North-West and South-West territories, where a extended insurgency continues, an election boycott lockdown has been established, paralysing business activities, movement and education.
Rebel groups who have imposed it have warned to target people who does vote.
Starting four years ago, those seeking to create a breakaway state have been battling state security.
The violence has so far killed at least six thousand people and compelled almost 500,000 residents from their homes.
Vote Outcome
Once polling concludes, the legal body has 15 days to declare the findings.
The government official has previously cautioned that no aspirant is allowed to announce winning in advance.
"Those who will attempt to declare outcomes of the political race or any personal declaration of success against the regulations of the country would have violated boundaries and must prepare to receive penalties appropriate for their offense."