Will this world's most aged leader retain his position and woo a country of youthful electorate?
The planet's most aged leader - nonagenarian Paul Biya - has assured Cameroon's electorate "better days are ahead" as he pursues his 8th straight presidential term this weekend.
The elderly leader has stayed in power since 1982 - another 7-year term could see him rule for 50 years making him almost a century old.
Campaign Issues
He defied widespread calls to leave office and has been criticised for making merely one public appearance, spending most of the election season on a week-and-a-half personal visit to Europe.
Criticism concerning his reliance on an computer-generated election advertisement, as his opponents sought supporters directly, prompted his quick return to the northern region upon his arrival.
Youth Voters and Joblessness
It means that for the vast majority of the population, Biya has been the exclusive ruler they remember - above sixty percent of the nation's thirty million inhabitants are below the age of 25.
Young campaigner Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "new blood" as she maintains "longevity in power typically causes a type of complacency".
"Following four decades, the people are tired," she says.
Employment challenges for youth remains a specific talking point for most of the contenders participating in the political race.
Approximately forty percent of youthful citizens between 15 to 35 years are unemployed, with 23% of college-educated youth encountering difficulties in obtaining formal employment.
Opposition Contenders
Beyond young people's job issues, the election system has created debate, notably concerning the exclusion of an opposition leader from the presidential race.
The removal, confirmed by the highest court, was generally denounced as a ploy to stop any strong challenge to President Biya.
Twelve candidates were cleared to vie for the presidency, including a former minister and a previous supporter - both ex- Biya associates from the north of the nation.
Election Difficulties
In Cameroon's English-speaking North-West and Southwest territories, where a long-running separatist conflict ongoing, an poll avoidance lockdown has been enforced, paralysing economic functions, transport and schooling.
The separatists who have enforced it have promised to attack anyone who participates.
Starting four years ago, those attempting to establish a independent territory have been clashing with government forces.
The violence has so far killed at no fewer than 6k lives and compelled approximately half a million people from their houses.
Vote Outcome
Once polling concludes, the legal body has two weeks to reveal the results.
The security chief has already warned that none of the contenders is permitted to announce winning prior to official results.
"Individuals who will seek to declare outcomes of the leadership vote or any self-proclaimed victory against the regulations of the nation would have crossed the red line and need to be prepared to face penalties appropriate for their offense."
