Comoros Parliamentary Election Under Boycott Amid Authoritarian Concerns

Comoros held a parliamentary election boycotted by some opposition parties, including the Juwa Party, who criticized the government’s authoritarianism and electoral integrity. Approximately 330,000 voters were registered, yet a low turnout was anticipated due to widespread disaffection. President Azali Assoumani has faced allegations of electoral fraud and political repression throughout his presidency, which has included constitutional changes to extend his term limits.

Comoros recently conducted a parliamentary election that faced a boycott from certain opposition leaders. These leaders criticized President Azali Assoumani and his ruling party for exhibiting increasingly authoritarian behaviors and raised concerns regarding the electoral integrity. The election, held to fill 33 legislative seats, saw a projected low voter turnout due to public disillusionment with the electoral process, with about 330,000 of the 850,000 population registered to vote.

In the previous parliamentary election in 2020, Assoumani’s party, the Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros, secured 20 of the 24 contested seats. This election followed allegations of electoral malpractice in that year, which opponents termed a “masquerade.” Assoumani’s victory in the prior presidential election faced similar accusations of fraud, leading to violent protests.

The Juwa Party, led by former President Ahmed Abdallah Sambi, was among those boycotting the recent election, continuing its stance from 2020. Assoumani, a former military officer who first assumed power in a coup in 1999, has amended the constitution to extend his presidency beyond the original term limits, which has drawn criticisms regarding political repression. Despite severe weather from Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, officials proceeded with the voting process.

The parliamentary election in Comoros was marred by a boycott from opposition parties, who criticized the current government’s authoritarian tendencies. Concerns over electoral integrity persisted, compounded by previous allegations of electoral fraud. Assoumani’s ongoing presidency illustrates a controversial political environment shaped by constitutional changes and historical coups. Moving forward, the low turnout and the impact of ongoing political repression warrant further scrutiny.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com