Comoros Ruling Party Secures Significant Parliamentary Majority

The ruling party in Comoros won 28 of 33 parliamentary seats, including one by the president’s son. The opposition secured two seats, and an independent candidate won one, with two seats going to a run-off. Many opposition parties boycotted the elections, leading to allegations of electoral misconduct.

The ruling party of Comoros, led by President Azali Assoumani, has secured a significant victory in the parliamentary elections, obtaining 28 out of 33 seats, including one seat won by Assoumani’s son. The Independent National Electoral Commission reported that the opposition managed to win two seats, while an independent candidate claimed one. Two additional seats are set for a run-off election on February 16, following the elections held on Sunday, where many opposition parties chose to boycott the process.

The ruling Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros is not only dominant in Parliament but also maintains control over the governorships of all three islands in the nation. Nour El Fath Azali, the president’s 39-year-old son, achieved a remarkable 85 percent of the votes in his district and was appointed the government’s Secretary-General in July 2024, which is tantamount to the role of Prime Minister. The total number of registered voters in the Indian Ocean island nation stands at 338,940, but electoral officials did not disclose voter turnout figures.

Fakridine Mahamoud, the interior minister overseeing the electoral process, commented on the election outcomes, stating, “The people have decided. I am not saying that everything was perfect, but I believe that there has been a lot of exaggeration in certain facts.” This remark followed accusations of electoral malpractice made by the United Opposition coalition, which labeled the elections as “the worst electoral farce of our half-century of independence.”

The political landscape of Comoros is heavily influenced by President Azali Assoumani and his party, the Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros, which has consistently dominated elections and governance in the region. The nation is comprised of three islands, each led by governors from the ruling party. Recent parliamentary elections saw a notable absence of opposition participation, leading to claims of electoral farce and questioning of the election’s legitimacy.

In summary, the ruling party in Comoros has achieved a substantial majority in Parliament amid significant opposition boycotts. President Assoumani’s party has not only secured parliamentary dominance but also retains full control of the island governorships. The claims of election irregularities by opposition factions raise concerns about the democratic processes within the country. Minister Fakridine Mahamoud acknowledged imperfections in the elections but dismissed allegations of extensive discrepancies.

Original Source: www.barrons.com