Will this world's most aged president keep his title and woo a country of youthful voters?
This world's oldest head of state - 92-year-old Paul Biya - has promised the nation's electorate "the future holds promise" as he seeks his 8th consecutive term in office this weekend.
The 92-year-old has already been in power for over four decades - an additional seven-year term could keep him in power for half a century making him almost a century old.
Campaign Controversies
He defied widespread calls to step down and faced criticism for making merely one rally, spending most of the campaign period on a week-and-a-half unofficial journey to the European continent.
A backlash over his use of an artificial intelligence created political commercial, as his opponents actively wooed constituents on the ground, prompted his quick return north on his return home.
Young Population and Joblessness
Consequently for the vast majority of the population, Biya remains the sole leader they have known - more than 60% of the nation's 30 million inhabitants are below the quarter century mark.
Young campaigner Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "new blood" as she believes "longevity in power inevitably leads to a sort of complacency".
"Following four decades, the population are tired," she declares.
Employment challenges for youth has become a notable talking point for nearly all the aspirants running in the vote.
Almost 40% of young residents between 15 to 35 years are without work, with 23% of recent graduates encountering difficulties in securing formal employment.
Opposition Contenders
Beyond youth unemployment, the voting procedure has also stirred dispute, notably concerning the removal of an opposition leader from the leadership competition.
His exclusion, confirmed by the Constitutional Council, was generally denounced as a ploy to stop any serious competition to President Biya.
A dozen contenders were approved to vie for the presidency, featuring a former minister and Bello Bouba Maigari - the two previous Biya associates from the northern region of the country.
Voting Difficulties
In Cameroon's English-speaking Northwest and South-West areas, where a protracted separatist conflict persists, an poll avoidance closure has been established, paralysing business activities, transport and learning.
Rebel groups who have imposed it have threatened to harm anyone who does vote.
Since 2017, those seeking to create a separate nation have been fighting official military.
The violence has so far killed at no fewer than 6,000 people and compelled approximately half a million others from their houses.
Election Results
Following the election, the highest court has 15 days to announce the results.
The security chief has already warned that no candidate is permitted to claim success in advance.
"Individuals who will seek to reveal findings of the leadership vote or any self-proclaimed victory in violation of the regulations of the nation would have broken rules and must prepare to encounter penalties appropriate for their offense."
