🔗 Share this article Will this world's most aged president keep his position and woo a country of youthful voters? This world's most aged leader - nonagenarian Paul Biya - has pledged the nation's voters "better days are ahead" as he seeks his 8th straight term in office this weekend. The elderly leader has already been in office since 1982 - another 7-year mandate could see him rule for half a century reaching almost a century old. Campaign Issues He ignored widespread calls to leave office and drew backlash for attending just one public appearance, devoting much of the political race on a 10-day personal visit to Europe. A backlash over his reliance on an artificial intelligence created campaign video, as his challengers courted constituents in person, prompted his quick return to the northern region on his return home. Youth Population and Joblessness Consequently for the large portion of the people, Biya has been the exclusive ruler they remember - above 60% of the nation's thirty million residents are under the quarter century mark. Youthful advocate Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "new blood" as she thinks "prolonged leadership inevitably leads to a sort of inertia". "After 43 years, the people are weary," she says. Youth unemployment remains a particular issue of concern for most of the contenders running in the political race. Nearly forty percent of youthful residents aged from 15-35 are unemployed, with 23% of college-educated youth facing challenges in securing formal employment. Opposition Candidates Beyond young people's job issues, the electoral process has generated controversy, particularly regarding the disqualification of Maurice Kamto from the leadership competition. His exclusion, upheld by the highest court, was broadly condemned as a ploy to prevent any significant opposition to President Biya. 12 aspirants were authorized to compete for the presidency, including an ex-government official and Bello Bouba Maigari - both former Biya allies from the north of the country. Voting Difficulties In Cameroon's English-speaking North-West and South-West areas, where a protracted insurgency persists, an poll avoidance restriction has been established, paralysing business activities, transport and education. Rebel groups who have enforced it have warned to target individuals who does vote. Since 2017, those seeking to create a separate nation have been battling official military. The fighting has until now caused the deaths of at minimum six thousand people and compelled almost half a million residents from their houses. Vote Outcome After Sunday's vote, the Constitutional Council has fifteen days to declare the findings. The government official has earlier advised that no aspirant is allowed to claim success prior to official results. "Those who will attempt to declare outcomes of the presidential election or any unofficial win announcement against the regulations of the country would have violated boundaries and should be ready to face consequences matching their violation."