Can the planet's oldest leader keep the title and woo a nation of young electorate?

President Biya

This planet's oldest leader - nonagenarian Paul Biya - has promised the nation's voters "better days are ahead" as he aims for his eighth consecutive term in office on Sunday.

The nonagenarian has already been in power for over four decades - another seven-year mandate could extend his reign for 50 years reaching almost 100.

Election Issues

He ignored broad demands to resign and drew backlash for attending just a single campaign event, using the majority of the election season on a week-and-a-half unofficial journey to Europe.

A backlash regarding his use of an computer-generated political commercial, as his challengers actively wooed constituents directly, led to his hurried travel to the northern region on his return home.

Youth Population and Joblessness

Consequently for the vast majority of the people, Biya has been the exclusive ruler they experienced - more than 60% of the nation's thirty million residents are below the 25 years old.

Young advocate Marie Flore Mboussi is desperate for "new blood" as she believes "prolonged leadership inevitably leads to a type of laziness".

"After 43 years, the citizens are tired," she states.

Youth unemployment has been a specific discussion topic for nearly all the candidates competing in the political race.

Approximately 40% of youthful residents between 15 and 35 are unemployed, with twenty-three percent of young graduates experiencing problems in securing regular work.

Opposition Contenders

Apart from youth unemployment, the election system has generated dispute, particularly regarding the exclusion of Maurice Kamto from the election contest.

The removal, confirmed by the highest court, was broadly condemned as a ploy to stop any strong challenge to the incumbent.

12 contenders were cleared to vie for the presidency, featuring a former minister and another former ally - the two previous Biya colleagues from the north of the nation.

Voting Difficulties

Within the nation's Anglophone Northwest and South-West areas, where a protracted separatist conflict ongoing, an voting prohibition closure has been established, stopping business activities, transport and learning.

The separatists who have enforced it have promised to attack people who does vote.

Beginning in 2017, those working toward a separate nation have been clashing with state security.

The violence has until now resulted in at no fewer than 6k lives and forced approximately half a million residents from their houses.

Vote Outcome

Following the election, the highest court has 15 days to reveal the findings.

The government official has earlier advised that no aspirant is allowed to claim success beforehand.

"Those who will seek to announce results of the presidential election or any personal declaration of success against the rules of the republic would have violated boundaries and should be ready to encounter penalties commensurate to their violation."

Troy White
Troy White

Tech enthusiast and writer passionate about emerging technologies and their impact on society.