Can the world's oldest president keep the title and woo a country of youthful electorate?

This world's oldest head of state - nonagenarian Paul Biya - has promised Cameroon's voters "better days are ahead" as he aims for his eighth straight term in office this weekend.

The 92-year-old has stayed in power for over four decades - an additional seven-year term could keep him in power for half a century until he will be almost a century old.

Campaign Issues

He ignored broad demands to resign and drew backlash for making merely one public appearance, using the majority of the political race on a 10-day personal visit to Europe.

Criticism over his reliance on an AI-generated political commercial, as his rivals sought supporters directly, prompted his quick return to the northern region upon his arrival.

Young Population and Unemployment

Consequently for the vast majority of the citizenry, Biya remains the sole leader they have known - above sixty percent of Cameroon's 30 million residents are younger than the quarter century mark.

Young advocate Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "new blood" as she maintains "extended rule naturally results in a type of inertia".

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

Employment challenges for youth has become a particular discussion topic for nearly all the candidates competing in the election.

Nearly 40% of young citizens between 15-35 are jobless, with twenty-three percent of recent graduates encountering difficulties in obtaining regular work.

Rival Contenders

In addition to young people's job issues, the voting procedure has created dispute, particularly regarding the exclusion of Maurice Kamto from the presidential race.

The removal, confirmed by the highest court, was widely criticised as a tactic to stop any strong challenge to the incumbent.

A dozen candidates were authorized to vie for the leadership position, featuring Issa Tchiroma Bakary and a previous supporter - each former Biya associates from the north of the nation.

Voting Challenges

Within the nation's Anglophone Northwest and Southwest territories, where a extended insurgency ongoing, an poll avoidance closure has been imposed, stopping business activities, transport and learning.

Rebel groups who have imposed it have threatened to target individuals who does vote.

Starting four years ago, those attempting to establish a breakaway state have been battling state security.

The fighting has to date caused the deaths of at least 6,000 people and caused approximately five hundred thousand people from their residences.

Election Results

Once polling concludes, the Constitutional Council has 15 days to declare the findings.

The government official has previously cautioned that none of the contenders is permitted to announce winning in advance.

"Individuals who will attempt to declare outcomes of the political race or any unofficial win announcement in violation of the laws of the nation would have violated boundaries and must prepare to face consequences matching their violation."