Can this planet's most aged president retain his title and attract a country of youthful electorate?

The world's oldest leader - nonagenarian Paul Biya - has assured the nation's voters "better days are ahead" as he seeks his 8th straight presidential term this weekend.

The nonagenarian has already been in power for over four decades - another 7-year term could see him rule for 50 years reaching almost a century old.

Campaign Issues

He defied numerous appeals to leave office and has been criticised for making merely one rally, devoting much of the campaign period on a ten-day unofficial journey to the European continent.

A backlash regarding his reliance on an artificial intelligence created political commercial, as his opponents courted constituents directly, led to his hurried travel to the northern region upon his arrival.

Young Population and Joblessness

Consequently for the vast majority of the people, Biya has been the exclusive ruler they have known - above 60% of the nation's thirty million residents are younger than the age of 25.

Young campaigner Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "new blood" as she maintains "prolonged leadership inevitably leads to a type of complacency".

"After 43 years, the people are exhausted," she says.

Youth unemployment has become a specific issue of concern for most of the contenders competing in the vote.

Approximately 40% of youthful citizens between 15 and 35 are unemployed, with 23% of recent graduates encountering difficulties in obtaining formal employment.

Opposition Contenders

Beyond youth unemployment, the election system has created controversy, particularly regarding the disqualification of an opposition leader from the election contest.

The removal, approved by the Constitutional Council, was broadly condemned as a tactic to block any significant opposition to the incumbent.

Twelve candidates were authorized to contest for the leadership position, featuring Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari - the two ex- Biya allies from the northern region of the nation.

Election Difficulties

In Cameroon's Anglophone North-West and South-West territories, where a extended separatist conflict ongoing, an poll avoidance lockdown has been established, stopping commercial operations, travel and education.

The separatists who have imposed it have promised to harm individuals who participates.

Beginning in 2017, those working toward a independent territory have been fighting state security.

The conflict has until now killed at minimum 6k individuals and caused nearly half a million people from their homes.

Election Results

Following the election, the Constitutional Council has fifteen days to declare the results.

The interior minister has earlier advised that no candidate is permitted to announce winning in advance.

"Candidates who will try to announce results of the political race or any unofficial win announcement contrary to the laws of the nation would have broken rules and must prepare to receive retaliatory measures commensurate to their violation."