🔗 Share this article Will this world's most aged leader keep his title and woo a country of young electorate? The planet's most aged head of state - nonagenarian Paul Biya - has pledged the nation's electorate "better days are ahead" as he pursues his 8th straight term in office this weekend. The 92-year-old has remained in power since 1982 - another seven-year mandate could extend his reign for 50 years until he will be almost 100. Campaign Issues He resisted broad demands to step down and faced criticism for only showing up for a single campaign event, devoting much of the election season on a ten-day unofficial journey to the European continent. Criticism over his reliance on an artificial intelligence created campaign video, as his challengers sought supporters in person, saw him rush north after coming back. Young Voters and Joblessness This indicates for the vast majority of the citizenry, Biya remains the sole leader they experienced - above 60% of the nation's thirty million residents are younger than the 25 years old. Youthful political activist Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "different faces" as she believes "longevity in power naturally results in a type of complacency". "Following four decades, the citizens are exhausted," she states. Young people's joblessness has become a particular talking point for nearly all the contenders participating in the election. Nearly forty percent of young residents between 15 and 35 are unemployed, with twenty-three percent of college-educated youth facing challenges in obtaining regular work. Rival Contenders Apart from youth unemployment, the electoral process has generated controversy, particularly regarding the removal of a political rival from the leadership competition. The disqualification, approved by the highest court, was generally denounced as a strategy to prevent any significant opposition to President Biya. Twelve candidates were authorized to compete for the presidency, featuring an ex-government official and another former ally - each ex- Biya allies from the north of the nation. Voting Challenges In Cameroon's English-speaking North-West and Southwest regions, where a protracted rebellion continues, an poll avoidance lockdown has been enforced, halting commercial operations, travel and learning. Insurgents who have imposed it have threatened to attack anyone who casts a ballot. Starting four years ago, those seeking to create a breakaway state have been battling government forces. The violence has so far killed at least 6,000 lives and caused nearly half a million people from their houses. Election Results After Sunday's vote, the highest court has fifteen days to announce the outcome. The security chief has already warned that none of the contenders is permitted to announce winning in advance. "Those who will attempt to declare outcomes of the leadership vote or any unofficial win announcement against the laws of the country would have violated boundaries and must prepare to receive penalties commensurate to their crime."