Comoros Conducts Parliamentary Election Amid Opposition Boycotts

Comoros held a parliamentary election boycotted by some opposition parties, who criticized President Azali Assoumani for authoritarian practices. Voting occurred despite low expected turnout and adverse weather. The election results will fill 33 legislative seats amid concerns of electoral integrity following previous allegations of fraud and manipulation.

Comoros recently conducted a parliamentary election amid a boycott from certain opposition leaders who criticized President Azali Assoumani’s increasing authoritarianism and questioned the voting process’s integrity. The election aimed to fill 33 legislative seats, with results expected next week. The national electoral commission reported approximately 330,000 registered voters out of Comoros’ 850,000 population, although opposition parties anticipated a low voter turnout due to public disillusionment with democracy.

Assoumani’s ruling party, the Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros, previously secured 20 of 24 contested seats during the 2020 parliamentary election, which opposition groups labeled a “masquerade.” Assoumani cast his vote in Mitsoudjé on Grande Comore. Accusations of electoral fraud marked his re-election last year, which led to significant civil unrest.

The Juwa Party, led by former President Ahmed Abdallah Sambi, was among those boycotting the election, having done the same in 2020. Since gaining independence in 1975, Comoros has experienced numerous military coups. Assoumani seized control in 1999 and has been president since winning successive elections, recently modifying the constitution to eliminate presidential term limits, undermining a prior agreement for power rotation among the islands.

The Africa Center for Strategic Studies has indicated that Assoumani’s governance has been characterized by increasing political repression and non-competitive elections. Despite Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi’s forecast path near the islands, authorities confirmed that the voting would proceed as scheduled.

The parliamentary election in Comoros was held despite opposition boycotts, with President Assoumani facing accusations of authoritarianism and voting integrity issues. Historical context reveals a pattern of electoral manipulation, leading to civil unrest and political criticisms. With ongoing leadership challenges and limited democratic engagement, the future of Comoros’ political landscape remains uncertain.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com