Cameroonians voted on Sunday in the presidential election that could potentially extend the 36-year rule of President Paul Biya.

In the build-up to the elections, many issues threatened to overshadow the day, from regional instability in the Anglophone Northwest and Southwest regions to talks of social media blackout.

The opposition also launched a last-minute bid to create a coalition to take on the ruling party; however, details of the coalition were kept vague.

In this context surrounding the polls, the day witnessed a relatively slow start at 08:00 am (07:00GMT). The turnout at many of the polling stations across Yaounde remained low until around 10:00 am before voters finished church service and began to trickle in.

Paul Biya cast his vote around midday. 

"With them [the coalition], I was treated like a child, and was questioned on my political intentions - so I refused," candidate Cabral Libii, who has a large youth following on a controversy about his alleged involvement with the ruling party, told CGTN.

He was also approached by the opposition to join a coalition but refused.

At another polling station, CGTN tried to secure a comment from the leader of the coalition, Maurice Kamto, who declined to comment.

Many voters told CGTN that they were pleased with the election process and that it had remained largely peaceful.

One voter, Marc Kalga, said that he thought the ruling government had done what they could with the resources available over the last 36 years but asked for more development to take place in the coming years. 

Another, Rene Takougoum, spoke of the troubles of road connectivity between major cities in the country. He stated: "The next president should focus on transforming the infrastructure of each major city, and look at curbing unemployment."

Pauline Mfoumou, a female voter from the central district of Yaounde, said that she was not satisfied with the level of employment for the youth. She spoke of the need for the government to create a safe environment for the youth.

There was unconfirmed social media blackout during the day in the Anglophone region of the northwest and southwest. According to reports, the streets were empty and only security personnel and election officials were present.

With 2011 seeing an over 80 percent voter turnout, many observers were intrigued to see what 2018 will bring.

Peace has been the major point of discussion between voters. Results are expected to be announced from October 12 to October 15. 

(Cover: Paul Biya casts his ballot in Bastos neighborhood in the capital Yaounde, October 7, 2018. /VCG Photo)