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The world's oldest head of state - 92-year-old Paul Biya - has pledged the nation's electorate "better days are ahead" as he pursues his eighth straight presidential term this weekend.

The elderly leader has remained in office since 1982 - an additional 7-year term could extend his reign for half a century making him almost a century old.

Campaign Issues

He ignored broad demands to resign and has been criticised for making merely one rally, spending most of the campaign period on a 10-day unofficial journey to the European continent.

Criticism regarding his use of an artificial intelligence created campaign video, as his challengers sought voters directly, saw him rush north upon his arrival.

Young Population and Unemployment

Consequently for the vast majority of the population, Biya remains the sole leader they have known - more than 60% of Cameroon's thirty million residents are younger than the 25 years old.

Youthful campaigner Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "fresh leadership" as she believes "longevity in power naturally results in a kind of laziness".

"With 43 years passed, the people are exhausted," she states.

Employment challenges for youth has become a particular talking point for the majority of the contenders running in the vote.

Almost 40% of young Cameroonians between 15-35 are jobless, with 23% of college-educated youth facing challenges in securing official jobs.

Rival Candidates

Beyond young people's job issues, the election system has also stirred debate, notably concerning the disqualification of Maurice Kamto from the election contest.

The removal, upheld by the highest court, was generally denounced as a strategy to prevent any significant opposition to the incumbent.

Twelve aspirants were approved to contest for the leadership position, comprising an ex-government official and Bello Bouba Maigari - both previous Biya colleagues from the northern region of the country.

Election Difficulties

Within the nation's English-speaking North-West and South-West territories, where a protracted insurgency ongoing, an election boycott closure has been enforced, paralysing business activities, travel and learning.

The separatists who have enforced it have threatened to harm anyone who casts a ballot.

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

The violence has until now resulted in at minimum 6k lives and forced almost 500,000 residents from their houses.

Election Results

Following the election, the Constitutional Council has two weeks to announce the findings.

The interior minister has earlier advised that none of the contenders is permitted to announce winning beforehand.

"Individuals who will attempt to reveal findings of the political race or any self-proclaimed victory against the rules of the country would have violated boundaries and must prepare to face retaliatory measures appropriate for their offense."