Can this world's oldest president keep his title and attract a country of youthful electorate?
This world's oldest leader - nonagenarian Paul Biya - has assured Cameroon's voters "better days are ahead" as he aims for his 8th consecutive presidential term this weekend.
The elderly leader has stayed in office since 1982 - another seven-year term could see him rule for 50 years making him almost 100.
Campaign Controversies
He ignored broad demands to leave office and drew backlash for making merely one rally, devoting much of the election season on a ten-day personal visit to Europe.
Negative reaction over his reliance on an artificial intelligence created campaign video, as his opponents sought supporters directly, prompted his quick return north upon his arrival.
Young Voters and Unemployment
Consequently for the vast majority of the population, Biya remains the sole leader they have known - above 60% of Cameroon's 30 million residents are below the age of 25.
Youthful advocate Marie Flore Mboussi urgently wants "different faces" as she thinks "prolonged leadership naturally results in a kind of complacency".
"After 43 years, the citizens are tired," she says.
Youth unemployment has been a notable issue of concern for nearly all the aspirants running in the political race.
Nearly forty percent of young Cameroonians between 15 to 35 years are without work, with 23% of recent graduates facing challenges in securing official jobs.
Rival Contenders
In addition to young people's job issues, the voting procedure has created controversy, especially with the removal of Maurice Kamto from the election contest.
The removal, approved by the highest court, was broadly condemned as a tactic to stop any significant opposition to the incumbent.
Twelve aspirants were approved to contest for the country's top job, including an ex-government official and Bello Bouba Maigari - each former Biya allies from the northern region of the nation.
Voting Challenges
In Cameroon's English-speaking Northwest and Southwest areas, where a extended rebellion ongoing, an poll avoidance lockdown has been established, paralysing economic functions, transport and schooling.
Rebel groups who have established it have threatened to target anyone who participates.
Beginning in 2017, those attempting to establish a separate nation have been fighting official military.
The conflict has so far resulted in at no fewer than 6,000 lives and caused nearly half a million people from their homes.
Vote Outcome
Once polling concludes, the Constitutional Council has two weeks to reveal the results.
The interior minister has earlier advised that no aspirant is authorized to claim success in advance.
"Candidates who will try to reveal findings of the leadership vote or any personal declaration of success against the regulations of the republic would have crossed the red line and need to be prepared to receive retaliatory measures appropriate for their violation."
