Comoros Votes in Controversial Parliamentary Elections Amid Allegations of Fraud

Voters in Comoros cast ballots for a new parliament amid allegations of electoral fraud from the opposition against President Azali Assoumani. The elections, involving nearly 100 candidates, follow a controversial reelection last year. Some opposition parties have called for a boycott, while others advocate participation to challenge the government. Polls will close at 4 p.m., with results expected by January 17.

On Sunday, voters in Comoros participated in elections for the nation’s 33-seat parliament, following a controversial reelection of President Azali Assoumani last year, which the opposition claimed was plagued by widespread irregularities. A ruling party official dismissed these allegations as unfounded. Polls opened promptly at 8 a.m. with around 338,000 voters expected to cast their ballots. After nearly three years since the previous parliamentary elections in January 2020, approximately 100 candidates were approved by the Supreme Court to contest this election.

President Assoumani, in power since a coup in 1999, has been accused by his opponents of authoritarian behavior and allegedly preparing for his eldest son, Nour El-Fath, to succeed him after his term ends in 2029. In a show of support, Assoumani granted his son extensive powers last year, enabling him to coordinate all government affairs. While some opposition parties, notably Juwa, led by former President Ahmed Abdallah Sambi—now serving a life sentence—have called for a boycott of the elections, others remained committed to participation.

Hamidou Karihila, a candidate for the opposition Hope of the Comoros party, expressed the belief that participating in the elections would help expose the flaws of the Assoumani regime, stating, “The Azali regime is weakened … by participating in these elections we are contributing to further exposing the flaws in its system and accelerating its inevitable fall.” Polls are scheduled to close at 4 p.m., with results anticipated by January 17.

The political landscape in Comoros has been tumultuous, particularly under the leadership of President Azali Assoumani. Having assumed power through a coup in 1999, Assoumani has faced criticism for his governance style, which many describe as increasingly authoritarian. The last parliamentary elections occurred in January 2020, making this election crucial for both the ruling party and opposition factions. This year’s elections have been overshadowed by claims of electoral misconduct, emphasizing the tense political atmosphere in the archipelago.

The parliamentary elections in Comoros represent a significant moment in the nation’s political history amidst ongoing allegations of government irregularities and authoritarianism. As voters headed to the polls, opposition voices grew stronger, calling attention to the systemic issues within the current regime. With crucial outcomes expected shortly, these elections may significantly shape the country’s political trajectory moving forward.

Original Source: www.voanews.com