Can this planet's oldest president retain the position and woo a nation of young voters?
The world's most aged head of state - 92-year-old Paul Biya - has assured the nation's voters "better days are ahead" as he aims for his 8th straight presidential term on Sunday.
The elderly leader has remained in power since 1982 - an additional seven-year term could extend his reign for 50 years reaching almost a century old.
Election Issues
He ignored broad demands to resign and drew backlash for attending just one public appearance, devoting much of the campaign period on a week-and-a-half personal visit to the European continent.
Criticism concerning his use of an computer-generated political commercial, as his challengers actively wooed supporters on the ground, prompted his quick return north upon his arrival.
Youth Voters and Joblessness
This indicates for the great bulk of the citizenry, Biya has been the exclusive ruler they remember - more than sixty percent of the nation's thirty million people are under the 25 years old.
Young campaigner Marie Flore Mboussi is desperate for "different faces" as she maintains "prolonged leadership typically causes a kind of complacency".
"After 43 years, the citizens are exhausted," she states.
Youth unemployment remains a particular talking point for nearly all the contenders running in the political race.
Approximately 40% of young citizens aged from 15-35 are jobless, with 23% of recent graduates experiencing problems in securing formal employment.
Opposition Contenders
Apart from young people's job issues, the voting procedure has also stirred dispute, particularly regarding the disqualification of Maurice Kamto from the election contest.
The disqualification, confirmed by the legal authority, was broadly condemned as a ploy to block any serious competition to President Biya.
Twelve contenders were cleared to compete for the leadership position, comprising Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari - both ex- Biya colleagues from the north of the nation.
Election Difficulties
Within the nation's English-speaking North-West and Southwest areas, where a extended rebellion persists, an voting prohibition closure has been established, halting business activities, movement and learning.
Insurgents who have enforced it have promised to attack people who participates.
Beginning in 2017, those seeking to create a breakaway state have been clashing with state security.
The fighting has so far caused the deaths of at minimum 6k lives and caused nearly 500,000 residents from their houses.
Vote Outcome
Once polling concludes, the legal body has 15 days to announce the results.
The government official has already warned that no aspirant is permitted to announce winning prior to official results.
"Candidates who will attempt to declare outcomes of the presidential election or any self-proclaimed victory in violation of the rules of the nation would have crossed the red line and should be ready to encounter penalties appropriate for their crime."
