Can the world's most aged president keep his title and woo a nation of young voters?
The world's most aged head of state - 92-year-old Paul Biya - has assured Cameroon's voters "better days are ahead" as he aims for his eighth straight term in office this weekend.
The nonagenarian has already been in power for over four decades - an additional 7-year term could keep him in power for 50 years reaching almost 100.
Campaign Controversies
He ignored widespread calls to resign and has been criticised for attending just one rally, devoting much of the election season on a week-and-a-half unofficial journey to Europe.
A backlash concerning his use of an AI-generated campaign video, as his opponents actively wooed constituents in person, prompted his quick return north after coming back.
Youth Population and Unemployment
It means that for the large portion of the citizenry, Biya is the only president they experienced - over 60% of the nation's 30 million residents are younger than the 25 years old.
Youthful campaigner Marie Flore Mboussi is desperate for "different faces" as she maintains "longevity in power inevitably leads to a type of inertia".
"With 43 years passed, the population are exhausted," she states.
Employment challenges for youth remains a particular discussion topic for nearly all the candidates participating in the election.
Approximately 40% of young residents between 15-35 are unemployed, with 23% of college-educated youth encountering difficulties in securing formal employment.
Rival Candidates
In addition to youth unemployment, the election system has generated dispute, particularly regarding the disqualification of an opposition leader from the election contest.
His exclusion, approved by the highest court, was generally denounced as a strategy to prevent any significant opposition to the incumbent.
Twelve candidates were authorized to compete for the country's top job, comprising a former minister and a previous supporter - each previous Biya associates from the north of the country.
Voting Difficulties
In Cameroon's English-speaking North-West and South-West areas, where a extended insurgency ongoing, an poll avoidance restriction has been established, stopping business activities, transport and education.
Rebel groups who have enforced it have threatened to attack individuals who participates.
Since 2017, those working toward a breakaway state have been fighting official military.
The fighting has to date resulted in at no fewer than six thousand individuals and forced approximately five hundred thousand people from their houses.
Vote Outcome
Following the election, the legal body has fifteen days to announce the results.
The security chief has already warned that no aspirant is permitted to announce winning in advance.
"Individuals who will try to declare outcomes of the presidential election or any personal declaration of success against the regulations of the country would have broken rules and need to be prepared to receive penalties matching their crime."
