Comoros voters are electing a new 33-seat parliament amidst allegations of electoral irregularities following President Assoumani’s re-election last year. Approximately 338,000 citizens are registered to cast their votes with nearly 100 candidates in the fray. Opposition parties are divided on participation, heightening the political tension in the country.
Voters in Comoros are casting their ballots to elect members of the 33-seat parliament in the Indian Ocean archipelago. This election follows a year after President Azali Assoumani’s re-election, which the opposition claims was fraught with irregularities, a charge the ruling party denies. Polling stations opened early on Sunday with approximately 338,000 registered voters participating in the election which has attracted nearly 100 candidates approved by the Supreme Court since the last parliamentary elections in January 2020.
The political landscape in Comoros has been dominated by President Azali Assoumani, who assumed power via a coup in 1999 and has since won three elections. Allegations of authoritarian rule under Assoumani’s leadership have emerged, with opposition figures fearing he is positioning his eldest son, Nour El-Fath, for succession in 2029. In 2024, Assoumani authorized his son significant powers over government coordination, further raising concerns among opposition leaders. Some parties, like Juwa, seek to boycott the election, while others aim to contest the ruling party’s authority.
In conclusion, the parliamentary elections in Comoros represent a critical moment in the archipelago’s political context marked by accusations of authoritarianism, alleged electoral malpractices, and potential succession plans by President Assoumani. Opposition parties are divided, with some pushing for non-participation and others choosing to engage in the electoral process, indicating a contested political atmosphere. Results from the elections are anticipated by Friday, potentially influencing the future governance of Comoros.
Original Source: www.theadvocate.com.au
