Can this world's most aged leader retain the position and woo a nation of youthful voters?
This planet's oldest leader - nonagenarian Paul Biya - has assured Cameroon's voters "the future holds promise" as he seeks his eighth straight term in office this weekend.
The elderly leader has stayed in power since 1982 - another 7-year mandate could see him rule for 50 years until he will be almost 100.
Election Controversies
He resisted numerous appeals to resign and drew backlash for making merely one public appearance, spending most of the political race on a 10-day personal visit to the European continent.
A backlash regarding his reliance on an AI-generated campaign video, as his opponents courted voters in person, prompted his quick return north on his return home.
Young Voters and Unemployment
Consequently for the large portion of the people, Biya has been the exclusive ruler they have known - above 60% of Cameroon's 30 million people are younger than the quarter century mark.
Youthful advocate Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "different faces" as she maintains "prolonged leadership typically causes a sort of laziness".
"With 43 years passed, the people are exhausted," she says.
Young people's joblessness remains a notable issue of concern for nearly all the aspirants participating in the political race.
Almost 40% of youthful citizens between 15-35 are unemployed, with 23% of college-educated youth facing challenges in securing formal employment.
Opposition Candidates
Beyond young people's job issues, the election system has generated dispute, particularly regarding the removal of Maurice Kamto from the election contest.
The disqualification, approved by the legal authority, was generally denounced as a tactic to block any strong challenge to President Biya.
Twelve aspirants were approved to contest for the leadership position, featuring a former minister and Bello Bouba Maigari - each former Biya colleagues from the northern region of the nation.
Election Challenges
In Cameroon's English-speaking Northwest and South-West territories, where a long-running separatist conflict persists, an voting prohibition closure has been enforced, paralysing business activities, travel and learning.
The separatists who have imposed it have promised to target individuals who casts a ballot.
Beginning in 2017, those seeking to create a separate nation have been clashing with official military.
The conflict has until now killed at minimum 6,000 people and compelled nearly half a million people from their houses.
Election Results
Once polling concludes, the Constitutional Council has 15 days to reveal the outcome.
The interior minister has earlier advised that no candidate is permitted to declare victory prior to official results.
"Candidates who will try to reveal findings of the political race or any personal declaration of success in violation of the regulations of the country would have violated boundaries and must prepare to receive retaliatory measures appropriate for their violation."
