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This world's oldest leader - 92-year-old Paul Biya - has pledged Cameroon's electorate "better days are ahead" as he aims for his 8th consecutive presidential term on Sunday.

The elderly leader has already been in power for over four decades - another 7-year mandate could extend his reign for half a century reaching almost a century old.

Campaign Controversies

He defied numerous appeals to resign and faced criticism for attending just one rally, using the majority of the political race on a ten-day private trip to Europe.

Criticism concerning his dependence on an artificial intelligence created campaign video, as his rivals sought voters in person, prompted his quick return to the northern region after coming back.

Young Voters and Joblessness

This indicates for the vast majority of the people, Biya has been the exclusive ruler they have known - over 60% of Cameroon's 30 million inhabitants are below the 25 years old.

Youthful advocate Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "new blood" as she believes "longevity in power inevitably leads to a type of inertia".

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

Youth unemployment has become a particular talking point for the majority of the contenders participating in the election.

Almost forty percent of youthful Cameroonians between 15-35 are jobless, with 23% of recent graduates encountering difficulties in finding official jobs.

Rival Contenders

In addition to youth unemployment, the electoral process has created debate, notably concerning the exclusion of a political rival from the election contest.

His exclusion, confirmed by the highest court, was widely criticised as a tactic to block any strong challenge to the current leader.

Twelve aspirants were cleared to vie for the presidency, including Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari - both former Biya allies from the northern region of the country.

Voting Challenges

In Cameroon's Anglophone North-West and Southwest territories, where a extended insurgency ongoing, an election boycott lockdown has been imposed, halting economic functions, transport and learning.

Rebel groups who have established it have threatened to harm anyone who participates.

Beginning in 2017, those attempting to establish a breakaway state have been clashing with state security.

The fighting has until now resulted in at minimum six thousand individuals and compelled approximately five hundred thousand others from their houses.

Election Results

After Sunday's vote, the legal body has fifteen days to announce the findings.

The government official has earlier advised that no aspirant is allowed to declare victory prior to official results.

"Those who will attempt to announce results of the political race or any unofficial win announcement against the rules of the nation would have violated boundaries and should be ready to face consequences appropriate for their offense."