Comoros citizens cast votes in presidential election
2 Min Read
The election in Comoros is anticipated to secure a fourth term for President Azali Assoumani, a former military officer.
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Supporters of Mohamed Daoudou, leader of Comoros’ opposition Orange Party, gather during his last rally in Moroni, on January 10, 2024 ahead of Comoros’ general elections. (AFP)
Comorians participated, on Sunday, in a pivotal election, exercising their right to vote in the selection of the next president.
Despite facing logistical challenges and calls for a boycott from the opposition, polling stations throughout the archipelago remained operational.
Amid adverse weather conditions, a significant number of citizens braved heavy rains to form queues at polling stations and participate in both the presidential and gubernatorial elections.
President Azali Assoumani, aiming for a fourth term and having modified the constitution to eliminate term limits, is confronted by five opponents. The opposition, expressing dissatisfaction, raises concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Assoumani, aged 64 and a former military officer who initially assumed power through a coup in 1999, has previously served two non-consecutive terms as president—from 2002 to 2006 and from 2016 to the current period.
The election is ongoing amid a partial opposition boycott
Opposition contenders express significant reservations regarding the transparency of the impending election, pointing to perceived bias in the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and irregularities in the voter registration process.
Some opposition figures have gone as far as urging a boycott, contending that the prerequisites for a free and fair election are not in place.
It is worth noting that the elections coincide with the nation grappling with economic uncertainties and striving to sustain stable financial growth.
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