Supporters of President Paul Biya gathered to welcome him at his polling station as the 92-year-old leader seeks an eighth term in office.

If he wins and serves a full term, he will be close to 100 years old by the time he leaves power.

Speaking to reporters at the polling station, President Biya urged the public to avoid speculation. “Nothing is certain,” he said. “I can only speak about what I will be doing when I become the winner.”

In the north of the country, Biya’s former Cabinet Minister and closest rival also cast his vote.

In an interview with Al Jazeera’s reporter Ahmed Idris, he claimed to have faced numerous threats from security agencies and government officials but insisted that he is “not the problem.”

Although security has been tightened across most parts of the country, voter turnout has remained low in many areas.

On the eve of the election, the government shut down land, sea, and air borders, describing the move as a routine measure to maintain order.

The campaign season was marked by heated exchanges between the ruling party and the main opposition, sparking fears of possible confrontations after the polls.

For some voters, frustration and protest defined the day.

Seventy-year-old Patou Moussa said her ballot was a protest vote.

“There are many young men with diplomas sitting at home, turning to drugs and crime because they can’t find jobs,” she lamented.

Meanwhile, first-time voter Freddy Arthur expressed anger after being unable to find his name at his assigned polling station.

“I was really hoping to vote for the first time, but now I have to look for where my name is,” he said.

As polling stations close, the election enters a critical phase.

Votes will now be counted and tallied at the local, regional, and national levels.

The Constitutional Council has 15 days to review, approve, or reject the outcome.

Only then will Cameroonians know whether they will have a new leader or seven more years of President Paul Biya.