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The world's most aged head of state - nonagenarian Paul Biya - has pledged the nation's voters "better days are ahead" as he seeks his eighth consecutive term in office this weekend.

The nonagenarian has remained in office for over four decades - another 7-year term could extend his reign for 50 years reaching almost 100.

Election Issues

He ignored widespread calls to leave office and has been criticised for making merely one public appearance, spending most of the campaign period on a ten-day private trip to the European continent.

Negative reaction over his dependence on an computer-generated election advertisement, as his opponents courted voters directly, prompted his quick return north on his return home.

Youth Voters and Unemployment

This indicates for the large portion of the population, Biya is the only president they remember - above 60% of the nation's thirty million inhabitants are younger than the 25 years old.

Youthful campaigner Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "fresh leadership" as she believes "prolonged leadership typically causes a type of complacency".

"Following four decades, the population are tired," she says.

Employment challenges for youth has been a notable issue of concern for nearly all the contenders competing in the political race.

Nearly forty percent of youthful citizens aged from 15-35 are unemployed, with twenty-three percent of recent graduates encountering difficulties in finding regular work.

Rival Contenders

Beyond young people's job issues, the election system has created controversy, particularly regarding the removal of a political rival from the leadership competition.

The disqualification, confirmed by the highest court, was widely criticised as a strategy to block any significant opposition to President Biya.

Twelve contenders were approved to contest for the leadership position, comprising Issa Tchiroma Bakary and a previous supporter - each former Biya colleagues from the northern region of the country.

Election Challenges

Within the nation's English-speaking North-West and Southwest territories, where a extended insurgency continues, an election boycott restriction has been imposed, halting business activities, transport and education.

Insurgents who have established it have promised to attack anyone who does vote.

Since 2017, those attempting to establish a independent territory have been battling government forces.

The fighting has so far caused the deaths of at no fewer than six thousand lives and forced approximately 500,000 people from their homes.

Election Results

After Sunday's vote, the highest court has fifteen days to declare the results.

The government official has previously cautioned that no candidate is allowed to claim success prior to official results.

"Individuals who will seek to declare outcomes of the presidential election or any personal declaration of success against the rules of the country would have crossed the red line and need to be prepared to receive consequences commensurate to their offense."