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The world's oldest head of state - 92-year-old Paul Biya - has promised the nation's voters "the future holds promise" as he pursues his 8th straight presidential term on Sunday.

The nonagenarian has remained in power since 1982 - an additional 7-year mandate could see him rule for half a century reaching almost a century old.

Election Issues

He ignored widespread calls to leave office and faced criticism for attending just one rally, using the majority of the election season on a 10-day unofficial journey to the European continent.

A backlash over his use of an artificial intelligence created election advertisement, as his rivals sought voters in person, prompted his quick return to the northern region on his return home.

Young Voters and Unemployment

It means that for the vast majority of the people, Biya is the only president they remember - over sixty percent of Cameroon's 30 million people are below the quarter century mark.

Youthful advocate Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "new blood" as she believes "longevity in power inevitably leads to a sort of complacency".

"With 43 years passed, the population are tired," she states.

Employment challenges for youth has been a particular talking point for most of the aspirants participating in the vote.

Approximately forty percent of youthful residents between 15 and 35 are without work, with 23% of young graduates experiencing problems in securing regular work.

Opposition Candidates

Beyond young people's job issues, the electoral process has generated dispute, notably concerning the exclusion of Maurice Kamto from the presidential race.

The disqualification, confirmed by the legal authority, was widely criticised as a tactic to block any strong challenge to the incumbent.

Twelve aspirants were authorized to vie for the presidency, including an ex-government official and another former ally - the two ex- Biya colleagues from the northern region of the nation.

Election Challenges

In Cameroon's English-speaking North-West and Southwest regions, where a extended rebellion persists, an voting prohibition lockdown has been enforced, stopping economic functions, travel and education.

Rebel groups who have established it have promised to target individuals who casts a ballot.

Beginning in 2017, those attempting to establish a breakaway state have been battling government forces.

The fighting has so far killed at minimum 6,000 people and compelled nearly five hundred thousand people from their residences.

Vote Outcome

Following the election, the highest court has fifteen days to reveal the outcome.

The government official has previously cautioned that none of the contenders is permitted to claim success prior to official results.

"Those who will seek to reveal findings of the presidential election or any personal declaration of success against the regulations of the republic would have violated boundaries and must prepare to receive penalties matching their offense."