Comoros is conducting a parliamentary election that has been boycotted by several opposition parties, which accuse the ruling coalition of authoritarianism and question the election’s legitimacy. Approximately 330,000 individuals are registered to vote, but low turnout is anticipated due to voter disillusionment. The election results are expected next week, with concerns over political repression in the country.
The Comoros archipelago is currently holding a parliamentary election overshadowed by a boycott from several opposition parties. Leaders from these groups accuse President Azali Assoumani and his ruling coalition of authoritarian practices and express doubts about the election’s credibility. The election, taking place on a single day, will fill 33 legislative seats, with results anticipated next week from the national electoral commission.
Approximately 330,000 of the 850,000 residents of Comoros are registered voters, despite opposition claims of likely low voter turnout due to disillusionment with the electoral process. In the last parliamentary election of 2020, Assoumani’s party secured 20 of the 24 contested seats. On the election day, President Assoumani voted in his hometown of Mitsoudjé, situated on Grande Comore, the largest of the islands.
Opposition factions labeled the 2020 election a “masquerade,” claiming it lacked fairness. Assoumani was also accused of fraudulent conduct during his presidential election last year, which resulted in protests and unrest. The Juwa Party, led by former President Ahmed Abdallah Sambi, is among those boycotting the current election, having also opted out of the 2020 parliamentary ballot.
Comoros, comprised of three islands off the eastern coast of Africa near Madagascar, has experienced numerous military coups since its independence from France in 1975. Former military officer Assoumani originally seized power in a coup in 1999 and has resumed control multiple times since then. Following constitutional amendments in 2018, he circumvented term limits, which previously mandated a rotational presidency between the islands.
The Africa Center for Strategic Studies, a research organization funded by the U.S. Congress, has pointed out that Assoumani’s tenure has been characterized by increasing political repression and a lack of competitive elections. Despite challenges including Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, officials confirm that voting is proceeding as scheduled.
The parliamentary elections in Comoros are marked by significant tension as several opposition parties boycott the process, citing authoritarian practices and electoral integrity concerns. President Azali Assoumani continues to dominate the political landscape amidst allegations of fraud in previous elections. With historical patterns of military coups and truncated democracy, the current political environment remains precarious.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
