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The world's most aged leader - 92-year-old Paul Biya - has pledged the nation's voters "better days are ahead" as he pursues his eighth consecutive term in office on Sunday.

The elderly leader has remained in office for over four decades - an additional 7-year mandate could see him rule for 50 years until he will be almost 100.

Election Issues

He defied numerous appeals to leave office and has been criticised for only showing up for one public appearance, devoting much of the election season on a ten-day private trip to Europe.

Negative reaction over his dependence on an artificial intelligence created campaign video, as his rivals sought supporters directly, led to his hurried travel north on his return home.

Young Voters and Joblessness

This indicates for the great bulk of the population, Biya remains the sole leader they have known - over sixty percent of the nation's 30 million inhabitants are younger than the 25 years old.

Youthful campaigner Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "different faces" as she thinks "extended rule naturally results in a type of complacency".

"After 43 years, the population are weary," she says.

Young people's joblessness has been a particular issue of concern for most of the candidates running in the election.

Nearly 40% of young Cameroonians between 15 and 35 are jobless, with twenty-three percent of young graduates facing challenges in obtaining formal employment.

Rival Candidates

Apart from young people's job issues, the voting procedure has generated debate, notably concerning the removal of a political rival from the presidential race.

The removal, approved by the legal authority, was widely criticised as a tactic to prevent any significant opposition to President Biya.

Twelve candidates were approved to vie for the country's top job, featuring a former minister and a previous supporter - the two ex- Biya associates from the north of the nation.

Election Difficulties

In Cameroon's Anglophone North-West and Southwest areas, where a extended separatist conflict continues, an voting prohibition lockdown has been established, stopping economic functions, movement and schooling.

Insurgents who have enforced it have threatened to harm people who participates.

Beginning in 2017, those working toward a breakaway state have been clashing with official military.

The fighting has until now caused the deaths of at least 6k individuals and compelled almost 500,000 residents from their homes.

Vote Outcome

Once polling concludes, the highest court has fifteen days to declare the findings.

The interior minister has already warned that none of the contenders is allowed to announce winning in advance.

"Those who will attempt to reveal findings of the leadership vote or any self-proclaimed victory against the regulations of the country would have violated boundaries and should be ready to face penalties appropriate for their crime."