Comoros Voters Head to Polls to Elect New Parliament Amidst Controversies

Voters in Comoros are electing members for the 33-seat parliament amidst concerns of previous electoral irregularities. Approximately 338,000 citizens are registered to vote, with nearly 100 candidates contesting. President Azali Assoumani, accused of authoritarianism, has been in power since 1999 and is criticized for grooming his son for succession. Opposition parties have varied stances on participating in the elections, which will yield results by Friday.

Voters in the Comoros are participating in elections for the country’s 33-seat parliament, which follow the controversial re-election of President Azali Assoumani. Allegations of widespread electoral irregularities were levied by the opposition during last year’s election, although ruling party officials have dismissed these claims. Polling commenced on Sunday with around 338,000 registered voters heading to the polls, marking the first parliamentary elections since January 2020.

Almost 100 candidates have been approved by the nation’s Supreme Court to compete in the elections. President Assoumani’s critics accuse him of authoritarian behavior and suspect he aims to position his son, Nour El-Fath, as his successor by the end of his term in 2029. Since Assoumani’s rise to power in 1999 via a coup, he has secured victory in three successive elections.

In a show of consolidating power, Assoumani has granted his son extensive responsibilities, leading government coordination effective 2024. Some opposition factions, specifically the Juwa party led by imprisoned former President Ahmed Abdallah Sambi, have advocated for a boycott of the elections, though other factions have disagreed with this call. Hamidou Karihila, a candidate from the opposing Hope of the Comoros party, remarked that participation in the elections serves to reveal the regime’s weaknesses and hasten its decline.

The official election results are anticipated by Friday, and stakeholders are watching to understand the implications of this electoral process in Comoros.

The political climate in the Comoros has been tumultuous, characterized by President Azali Assoumani’s extended rule since a coup in 1999. His administration has faced scrutiny for alleged authoritarian practices and transparency issues, particularly concerning electoral processes. The previous parliamentary elections were held in January 2020. This recent election is a response to a backdrop of dissatisfaction from various opposition groups who seek democratic reforms and accountability within the government.

In summary, the parliamentary elections in the Comoros present a critical moment for the nation’s democracy. Allegations of irregularities in previous elections continue to shadow the current political landscape. The active participation and dissent from opposition parties reflect a deeper desire for change amidst concerns of an authoritarian regime stemming from the presidency of Azali Assoumani.

Original Source: www.theadvocate.com.au