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This planet's oldest head of state - nonagenarian Paul Biya - has promised Cameroon's electorate "the future holds promise" as he seeks his 8th straight presidential term this weekend.

The nonagenarian has remained in power for over four decades - an additional seven-year term could extend his reign for half a century reaching almost 100.

Campaign Issues

He defied widespread calls to leave office and has been criticised for only showing up for a single campaign event, devoting much of the political race on a week-and-a-half unofficial journey to the European continent.

A backlash regarding his dependence on an AI-generated campaign video, as his challengers actively wooed constituents directly, saw him rush to the northern region on his return home.

Youth Voters and Joblessness

This indicates for the great bulk of the people, Biya has been the exclusive ruler they experienced - above sixty percent of the nation's thirty million inhabitants are below the age of 25.

Young political activist Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "fresh leadership" as she thinks "longevity in power typically causes a sort of laziness".

"Following four decades, the citizens are tired," she declares.

Youth unemployment has been a notable discussion topic for the majority of the contenders competing in the vote.

Nearly 40% of young Cameroonians between 15 and 35 are jobless, with twenty-three percent of recent graduates experiencing problems in finding regular work.

Opposition Contenders

Beyond young people's job issues, the voting procedure has generated dispute, particularly regarding the removal of an opposition leader from the presidential race.

His exclusion, confirmed by the Constitutional Council, was generally denounced as a tactic to stop any serious competition to the current leader.

Twelve candidates were cleared to vie for the presidency, including an ex-government official and another former ally - both previous Biya colleagues from the north of the country.

Voting Challenges

In Cameroon's English-speaking North-West and South-West areas, where a long-running rebellion ongoing, an election boycott closure has been enforced, stopping economic functions, movement and education.

Rebel groups who have established it have promised to attack people who does vote.

Starting four years ago, those seeking to create a independent territory have been battling state security.

The fighting has until now killed at least 6k lives and forced approximately five hundred thousand residents from their houses.

Election Results

Following the election, the Constitutional Council has 15 days to reveal the outcome.

The security chief has earlier advised that none of the contenders is permitted to declare victory beforehand.

"Candidates who will try to announce results of the leadership vote or any self-proclaimed victory against the regulations of the country would have broken rules and should be ready to receive retaliatory measures appropriate for their offense."