Can the world's most aged leader retain his position and attract a country of young electorate?
The world's most aged leader - nonagenarian Paul Biya - has pledged Cameroon's voters "better days are ahead" as he aims for his eighth straight presidential term this weekend.
The nonagenarian has remained in power since 1982 - another seven-year term could keep him in power for 50 years until he will be almost a century old.
Election Issues
He ignored broad demands to leave office and faced criticism for attending just a single campaign event, using the majority of the campaign period on a 10-day unofficial journey to Europe.
A backlash regarding his use of an artificial intelligence created political commercial, as his challengers courted supporters directly, prompted his quick return north upon his arrival.
Youth Voters and Joblessness
This indicates for the large portion of the people, Biya has been the exclusive ruler they experienced - more than 60% of Cameroon's 30 million people are below the 25 years old.
Young political activist Marie Flore Mboussi urgently wants "different faces" as she believes "extended rule naturally results in a sort of complacency".
"Following four decades, the population are exhausted," she states.
Youth unemployment remains a specific discussion topic for nearly all the contenders participating in the vote.
Approximately forty percent of young residents aged from 15 to 35 years are jobless, with 23% of recent graduates experiencing problems in finding regular work.
Opposition Contenders
In addition to young people's job issues, the voting procedure has also stirred debate, especially with the exclusion of Maurice Kamto from the leadership competition.
The removal, upheld by the highest court, was widely criticised as a tactic to stop any significant opposition to President Biya.
12 aspirants were authorized to compete for the leadership position, including an ex-government official and a previous supporter - each ex- Biya associates from the north of the country.
Election Challenges
In Cameroon's Anglophone Northwest and Southwest territories, where a long-running rebellion ongoing, an poll avoidance restriction has been established, stopping commercial operations, travel and schooling.
Rebel groups who have enforced it have warned to target individuals who casts a ballot.
Beginning in 2017, those seeking to create a breakaway state have been fighting government forces.
The fighting has until now killed at no fewer than 6k people and compelled nearly 500,000 residents from their houses.
Election Results
After Sunday's vote, the highest court has two weeks to reveal the results.
The government official has previously cautioned that no aspirant is allowed to announce winning prior to official results.
"Those who will seek to reveal findings of the presidential election or any unofficial win announcement in violation of the rules of the republic would have broken rules and must prepare to face retaliatory measures appropriate for their violation."
