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The planet's most aged leader - nonagenarian Paul Biya - has pledged the nation's electorate "better days are ahead" as he seeks his eighth consecutive presidential term on Sunday.

The nonagenarian has already been in office for over four decades - an additional 7-year mandate could keep him in power for half a century making him almost 100.

Election Controversies

He ignored broad demands to step down and drew backlash for only showing up for one rally, using the majority of the political race on a 10-day unofficial journey to Europe.

Criticism over his reliance on an computer-generated campaign video, as his rivals actively wooed constituents in person, prompted his quick return to the northern region on his return home.

Youth Population and Unemployment

Consequently for the vast majority of the citizenry, Biya is the only president they have known - over sixty percent of Cameroon's thirty million people are below the quarter century mark.

Youthful advocate Marie Flore Mboussi is desperate for "fresh leadership" as she thinks "extended rule typically causes a type of complacency".

"After 43 years, the citizens are exhausted," she declares.

Employment challenges for youth remains a particular discussion topic for the majority of the aspirants running in the election.

Almost forty percent of young residents between 15 and 35 are without work, with twenty-three percent of recent graduates encountering difficulties in finding regular work.

Rival Candidates

In addition to youth unemployment, the voting procedure has created controversy, particularly regarding the exclusion of a political rival from the election contest.

The disqualification, approved by the Constitutional Council, was widely criticised as a tactic to prevent any significant opposition to the incumbent.

Twelve candidates were authorized to contest for the leadership position, comprising Issa Tchiroma Bakary and another former ally - each ex- Biya allies from the northern region of the nation.

Voting Challenges

Within the nation's English-speaking North-West and South-West areas, where a protracted insurgency continues, an poll avoidance lockdown has been established, stopping business activities, movement and schooling.

Rebel groups who have imposed it have promised to attack individuals who participates.

Since 2017, those seeking to create a separate nation have been battling government forces.

The fighting has until now caused the deaths of at no fewer than 6k lives and forced approximately half a million residents from their homes.

Election Results

After Sunday's vote, the legal body has 15 days to announce the outcome.

The security chief has already warned that none of the contenders is authorized to announce winning in advance.

"Those who will attempt to reveal findings of the leadership vote or any personal declaration of success in violation of the laws of the country would have violated boundaries and must prepare to face penalties commensurate to their offense."