Can the world's oldest president retain his position and woo a country of youthful electorate?
This world's oldest head of state - 92-year-old Paul Biya - has pledged Cameroon's voters "the future holds promise" as he seeks his eighth consecutive presidential term on Sunday.
The nonagenarian has already been in power for over four decades - another seven-year term could keep him in power for 50 years reaching almost 100.
Campaign Issues
He resisted widespread calls to leave office and drew backlash for only showing up for one public appearance, using the majority of the political race on a 10-day unofficial journey to the European continent.
Negative reaction regarding his use of an AI-generated political commercial, as his rivals courted constituents directly, prompted his quick return north on his return home.
Young Voters and Joblessness
Consequently for the great bulk of the people, Biya remains the sole leader they remember - above 60% of Cameroon's thirty million people are under the age of 25.
Youthful political activist Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "new blood" as she believes "extended rule typically causes a kind of complacency".
"After 43 years, the population are tired," she declares.
Employment challenges for youth remains a particular discussion topic for most of the contenders running in the political race.
Approximately 40% of youthful residents aged from 15 and 35 are unemployed, with 23% of young graduates facing challenges in obtaining regular work.
Rival Candidates
Beyond youth unemployment, the election system has created debate, particularly regarding the exclusion of a political rival from the leadership competition.
The removal, upheld by the highest court, was generally denounced as a ploy to stop any serious competition to President Biya.
Twelve aspirants were authorized to compete for the presidency, featuring Issa Tchiroma Bakary and another former ally - each former Biya allies from the northern region of the nation.
Voting Challenges
In Cameroon's English-speaking North-West and Southwest regions, where a long-running rebellion continues, an poll avoidance closure has been enforced, halting commercial operations, travel and education.
Insurgents who have imposed it have threatened to target anyone who participates.
Since 2017, those seeking to create a separate nation have been battling state security.
The conflict has to date caused the deaths of at minimum 6k lives and forced almost 500,000 others from their houses.
Vote Outcome
After Sunday's vote, the Constitutional Council has 15 days to declare the results.
The interior minister has previously cautioned that none of the contenders is permitted to declare victory prior to official results.
"Individuals who will try to announce results of the political race or any self-proclaimed victory in violation of the laws of the nation would have crossed the red line and should be ready to encounter retaliatory measures matching their violation."
