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The world's most aged leader - nonagenarian Paul Biya - has pledged the nation's voters "the best is still to come" as he pursues his eighth consecutive presidential term on Sunday.

The elderly leader has remained in office for over four decades - an additional 7-year term could keep him in power for 50 years until he will be almost 100.

Campaign Issues

He ignored numerous appeals to resign and drew backlash for only showing up for one public appearance, devoting much of the political race on a week-and-a-half private trip to Europe.

Criticism concerning his dependence on an computer-generated campaign video, as his rivals courted voters directly, saw him rush north after coming back.

Young Population and Unemployment

It means that for the vast majority of the people, Biya remains the sole leader they have known - above sixty percent of Cameroon's 30 million residents are younger than the 25 years old.

Youthful political activist Marie Flore Mboussi strongly desires "fresh leadership" as she thinks "extended rule naturally results in a sort of complacency".

"Following four decades, the people are exhausted," she says.

Youth unemployment has been a particular issue of concern for the majority of the aspirants competing in the political race.

Approximately 40% of youthful residents between 15-35 are jobless, with twenty-three percent of college-educated youth encountering difficulties in obtaining formal employment.

Rival Contenders

In addition to youth unemployment, the voting procedure has also stirred debate, especially with the disqualification of Maurice Kamto from the leadership competition.

His exclusion, upheld by the highest court, was widely criticised as a tactic to prevent any significant opposition to the incumbent.

Twelve aspirants were cleared to contest for the country's top job, featuring an ex-government official and a previous supporter - both ex- Biya colleagues from the north of the country.

Voting Challenges

Within the nation's Anglophone Northwest and South-West regions, where a long-running separatist conflict ongoing, an poll avoidance closure has been enforced, stopping business activities, transport and learning.

Rebel groups who have imposed it have promised to attack individuals who casts a ballot.

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

The conflict has so far resulted in at no fewer than 6,000 lives and compelled almost half a million residents from their houses.

Vote Outcome

Once polling concludes, the Constitutional Council has fifteen days to reveal the results.

The interior minister has previously cautioned that no aspirant is authorized to declare victory in advance.

"Those who will attempt to reveal findings of the leadership vote or any personal declaration of success contrary to the regulations of the country would have crossed the red line and need to be prepared to encounter retaliatory measures appropriate for their violation."