Comoros Parliamentary Election Amid Opposition Boycott

Comoros held a parliamentary election that was boycotted by some opposition leaders citing authoritarianism under President Azali Assoumani. With around 330,000 registered voters, low turnout is expected due to discontent with the democratic process. The election results will be available next week, amidst claims of past electoral misconduct and ongoing political repression.

Comoros recently conducted a parliamentary election, which faced a boycott from certain opposition leaders. These leaders accused President Azali Assoumani and his ruling party of increasingly authoritarian tactics, raising doubts about the election’s integrity. The election, held on Sunday, will determine the 33 legislative seats, with results anticipated next week from the electoral commission.

Approximately 330,000 citizens are registered to vote in Comoros, comprising a fraction of its 850,000 population. However, opposition parties predict a minimal voter turnout due to widespread discontent with the democratic process. In the previous parliamentary election held in 2020, Assoumani’s party and its allies secured 20 out of 24 contested seats.

Assoumani, who cast his vote in his home town of Mitsoudjé, has faced accusations from opposition parties regarding the legitimacy of the 2020 elections, which they labeled a “masquerade.” They also expressed concerns over his re-election as president last year, which allegedly sparked violent protests due to perceived fraud.

Among the boycotting parties is the Juwa Party, led by former President Ahmed Abdallah Sambi, which did not participate in the 2020 elections either. Since gaining independence from France in 1975, Comoros has undergone multiple military coups, with Assoumani first taking power in 1999 by force.

At 66 years old, Assoumani has held the presidency in non-consecutive terms, returning to power in 2016 and winning three subsequent elections. His 2018 constitutional amendments have allowed him to bypass term limits, undermining a political agreement for rotating the presidency among the islands.

The Africa Center for Strategic Studies reported that Assoumani’s tenure has been characterized by increasing political repression and a lack of competitive elections. Despite the threat of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi moving through the region, officials confirmed that voting proceeded as scheduled.

In summary, the recent parliamentary election in Comoros faced significant opposition, with some leaders asserting that it was undermined by authoritarian practices and a lack of integrity. Voter turnout is anticipated to be low, reflecting disenchantment with the political process. The situation highlights ongoing political tensions and concerns about the democratic evolution in this archipelago.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com