Will the planet's oldest president keep the position and woo a country of youthful voters?
The world's oldest head of state - nonagenarian Paul Biya - has promised the nation's voters "better days are ahead" as he seeks his eighth consecutive presidential term this weekend.
The elderly leader has remained in office since 1982 - an additional 7-year term could see him rule for half a century until he will be almost a century old.
Campaign Controversies
He resisted broad demands to resign and faced criticism for attending just one public appearance, using the majority of the political race on a 10-day private trip to the European continent.
Negative reaction over his dependence on an artificial intelligence created political commercial, as his opponents sought supporters directly, prompted his quick return north upon his arrival.
Youth Population and Unemployment
Consequently for the large portion of the people, Biya remains the sole leader they remember - over sixty percent of the nation's 30 million people are younger than the age of 25.
Young political activist Marie Flore Mboussi is desperate for "different faces" as she thinks "extended rule naturally results in a kind of complacency".
"After 43 years, the population are tired," she states.
Youth unemployment remains a notable issue of concern for most of the aspirants competing in the election.
Nearly forty percent of young residents between 15 to 35 years are unemployed, with 23% of college-educated youth experiencing problems in finding formal employment.
Rival Contenders
Apart from young people's job issues, the voting procedure has created controversy, notably concerning the removal of Maurice Kamto from the presidential race.
His exclusion, approved by the highest court, was widely criticised as a tactic to stop any strong challenge to the incumbent.
12 candidates were authorized to contest for the leadership position, comprising an ex-government official and another former ally - the two former Biya allies from the northern region of the nation.
Voting Difficulties
Within the nation's Anglophone North-West and South-West territories, where a protracted rebellion ongoing, an poll avoidance lockdown has been established, paralysing commercial operations, movement and schooling.
The separatists who have enforced it have warned to harm anyone who participates.
Since 2017, those seeking to create a independent territory have been battling official military.
The fighting has to date caused the deaths of at minimum 6,000 people and compelled almost half a million others from their homes.
Vote Outcome
After Sunday's vote, the legal body has two weeks to announce the findings.
The government official has earlier advised that no candidate is allowed to claim success prior to official results.
"Those who will seek to announce results of the presidential election or any self-proclaimed victory in violation of the regulations of the nation would have broken rules and should be ready to face consequences appropriate for their crime."
