Comoros Conducts Parliamentary Election Amid Opposition Boycott

Comoros is conducting a parliamentary election boycotted by opposition leaders, citing President Assoumani’s authoritarian approach. Approximately 330,000 registered voters are expected to participate despite concerns about election integrity. Assoumani’s party won most seats in the previous election, amidst accusations of unfair practices. This election reflects ongoing discontent with the democratic process in Comoros, which has seen significant political turmoil since independence.

Comoros is currently conducting a parliamentary election, which has faced a boycott from several opposition leaders. These leaders have voiced concerns regarding President Azali Assoumani and his ruling party, alleging an increasing authoritarian governance and questioning the election’s integrity.

The election, taking place on a single day, is expected to determine the 33 legislative seats, with results anticipated next week, as per the national electoral commission. Approximately 330,000 individuals from a total population of 850,000 are registered to vote, although opposition parties predict a low turnout due to widespread disillusionment with the electoral process.

In the previous parliamentary election of 2020, Assoumani’s party, the Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros, secured 20 out of 24 contested seats, amidst claims of unfair practices from the opposition. On the election day, Assoumani himself voted in his hometown, marking a continuous leadership amid past controversies regarding election legitimacy.

Notably, the Juwa Party, led by former President Ahmed Abdallah Sambi, is among those boycotting this election, having also abstained from the 2020 vote. Comoros, comprised of three islands near Madagascar, has experienced multiple military coups since its independence in 1975, with Assoumani first seizing power in 1999.

Assoumani, aged 66, returned to the presidency in 2016 after initially stepping down in 2006 and has successfully won three consecutive elections since. His constitutional reforms in 2018 have enabled him to circumvent term limits, defying an earlier political agreement on presidential rotation among the islands. Observers have highlighted that Assoumani’s presidency has witnessed increasing political repression and a lack of competitive electoral processes.

Despite adverse weather conditions caused by Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, officials confirmed that voting would proceed as planned, showcasing a commitment to the electoral process despite existing challenges.

The parliamentary election in Comoros proceeded amid a boycott from key opposition leaders, who raised significant concerns about President Assoumani’s governance and electoral fairness. With a similar discontent seen in previous elections, the current political climate remains tense, characterized by allegations of authoritarianism and manipulation. The outcome of this election will further influence the political landscape in Comoros, as well as the level of public trust in democratic processes.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com